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LEGH RICHMOND, 

AUTHOR OF 
THE "DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER," "LITTLE JANE," dtc. 



Prepared for the American Sunday School Union, from the most 
recent Memoirs 



BY GREGORY T. BEDELL, A. Hf • 

Rector of St. Andrew'g Church, Philadelphia. 




AMERICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. 

PHILADELPHIA : 
NO. 146 CHESNUT STREET. 






Eastern District of Pennsylvania^ to wit. 

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the twenty-second day of 
May, in the fifty-third year of the Independence of the United States 
of America, A. D. 1829, PAUL BECK, Jun. Treasurer, in trust for 
the American Sunday School Union, of the said District, has 
deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he 
claims as proprietor, in the word's following, to wit: 

" Life of Legh Richmond, author of the " Dairyman's Daugh- 
ter,'* "Little Jane," &c. Prepared for the American Sunday 
School Union, from the most recent memoirs. By Gregory T. 
Bedell, A. M. Rector of St. Andrew's church, Philadelphia. Re- 
vised by the Committee of Publication— AM. S. S. U. 

In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, 
entitled, " An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing 
the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors 
of such copies, during the times therein mentioned ; and also to an 
Act, entitled, *An Act for the encouragement of learning, by 
securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and 
proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned,' and 
extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, 
and etclung, historical and other prints." 

D. CALDWELL, 
Clerk of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



404426 
'30 



PREFACE. 



The object of the present work is easily explained. 
It is to furnish an account of the life of the Rev. Mr. 
Richmond, suitable for Sunday school libraries. The 
memoirs by Grimshawe, is a volume far too large, 
and expensive for our purposes, and contains a great 
deal of matter highly interesting, it is true, but not 
adapted to a large class of our readers. To have a 
book valuable to Sunday school teachers and scho- 
lars, it must be both in size and price brought within 
a moderate compass. The following work is not to 
be considered in the light of an abridgment, but is 
rather a preparation from the documents already 
published; and the compiler while he has availed 
himself principally of the recently published me- 
moirs of Richmond by his friend and chosen Biogra- 
pher, Rev. T. S. Grimshawe, has also derived much 
advantage from some accounts in the' " Christian Ob- 
server," and a most admirably written article in the 
" Philadelphia Recorder" under the signature of 
"Adelphos." The compiler would wish it under- 
stood that his great design has been to adapt his 
book to the purposes of Sunday school libraries ; so 
that though its subject has passed to his reward, the 



IV PREFACE. 

author of the " Dairyman's Daughter'' may yet 
" speak" to the thousands and tens of thousands of 
Juvenile Readers, from whom but for preparations 
of this kind, the lives of many of God's choicest 
saints would be entirely excluded. 



LIFE 



L.EGH RICHMOND. 



CHAPTER I. 

Preliminary Remarks. — Birth of Legh Richmond. — ■ 
His Mother^s Instructions. — His early Education. 

The name of Legh Richmond, connected 
as it is, with all the great evangelical opera- 
tions of the present age, is still more inti- 
mately connected with the Tract and Sunday 
school causes. We shall have more to say 
on both these subjects, before this history is 
concluded, but we have mentioned it in this 
place, to en^ge at once, the attention of our 
readers. There surely can be no one, who is 
accustomed to read the books which go out of 
the Depository of the American Sunday 
School Union, who will not feel a lively in- 
terest in the history of the man who wrote 
"'The Dairyman's Daughter." When such 
a man dies, the church of God feels it, 
through all her branches; and while all who 
love the Lord Jesus Christ, will say in pious 
A 2 



# 



O LIFE OF 

resignation "It is the Lord, he hath done 
what seemed liim good," they will rejoice 
that through the merciful Providence of the 
same God, there are means, by which though 
''being dead, he yet speaketh." Thus it 
will be, through all the years that are to come, 
and in all languages, by means of the " Dai- 
ryman's Daughter," and other little books; 
and thus also it will be, though less exten- 
sively, by means of the different '' memoirs" 
which have, and will be published. 

Legh Richmond was born at Liverpool, 
in England, on the 29th of January, 1772. 
His father was Dr. Henry Richmond who 
practised as a physician, first at Liverpool, 
afterwards at Bath, but who died at Stockport; 
in 1806. His mother was the daughter of 
John Atherton, esquire, of Walton Hall, near 
Liverpool. In relation to the mother of Legh 
Richmond, Mr. Grimshawe who is the author 
of the memoir, from which this little book is 
principally prepared, thus writes — " It was 
Legh Richmond's privilege to have a most es- 
timable mother, endued with a superior un- 
derstandings which had been cultivated and 
improved by an excellent education and sub- 
sequent reading; and who, with considerable 
natural talents and acquirements, manifest- 
ed a constant sense of the importance of re- 
ligion. 
**This affectionate and conscientious parent 



LEOH RICHMOND. 7 

anxiously instructed him, from his infancy, 
in the Holy Scriptures, and in the principles 
of religion, according to the best of her ability; 
a duty which was well repaid by her son, 
who became the happy and honoured instru- 
ment of imparting to his beloved mother 
clearer and more enlarged views of divine 
truth than were generally prevalent during 
the last generation. 

*'Ye that are mothers, and whose office it 
more peculiarly is to instill into the minds of 
your offspring an habitual reverence for God, 
and a knowledge of the truths of the Gospel; 
be earnest in your endeavours to fulfil the 
duties which Providence has assigned to 
you, and which your tenderness, your affec- 
tion, and the constant recurrence of favour- 
able opportunities so admirably fit you to dis- 
charge. Consecrate them to God in early 
youth; and remember that the child of many 
prayers, is in possession of a richer treasure, 
than the heir of the amplest honours and the 
highest dignities; for the child of many pray- 
ers can never perish, so long as prayer is 
availing. To faith all things are possible, and 
the promise stands firm, ' I will pour my Spirit 
upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine 
offspring. ' — Isa. xliv. 3. Pray then for them, 
and with them. There is an efficacy in the 
bended knee, in the outstretched hand, in the 
uplifted heart, in the accents of prayer issu- 



8 LIFE OF 

jng from the lips of a mother, supplicating 
God to bless her child, which faith may inter- 
pret for its encouragement, and the future 
shall one day realize. There is also a so- 
lemnity in the act itself, peculiarly calculated 
to elicit all the best feelings of the heart, 
and to quicken it in the diligent use of the 
means best adapted, through divine mercy, to 
insure the blessing. 

" Discouragements may arise — impressions 
that once excited hope may vanish — the fruit 
may not be apparent; yet, in after times, un- 
der circumstances of the most unpromising 
nature — amid scenes^ perhaps, of folly, vice, 
and dissipation — or in the more sober mo- 
ments of sickness and sorrow; the remem- 
brance of a praying mother may present itself 
with overwhelming emotions to the heart. 
The events of early days may rise up in quick 
succession before the mind, until the long- 
lost wanderer, recovered from his slumber of 
death and sin, may live to be a monument of 
the pardoning mercy of God, and his last ac- 
cents be those of gratitude and praise for a 
pious mother." 

It will be here remarked, and we put it 
down as among the number of testimonies to 
the value of a mother's instructions, that to her 
was Richmond mainly indebted for those seeds 
of early piety, which grew up and produced 
such rich and abundant fruits. For although, 



LEGH RICHMOND. 9 

as will soon be seen, it was some time after 
this, and in a manner remarkably striking 
and providential, that he became enlightened 
with clear and scriptural views of the religion 
of Jesus Christ, yet to his mother's instruc- 
tions in his early years, he owed, under God, 
the foundation of his religious character. 
This work will fall into the hands of many 
mothers, and we ask them to peruse, and re- 
peruse the foregoing extract, and let them, by 
this instance, be stimulated to new diligence 
in the discharge of their duties; and in the 
steady path of admonition, of consistent ex- 
ample, and above all, of daily prayer for their 
children, let them look in faith, for the ac- 
complishment of the promise " the generation 
of the upright shall be blessed." 

The education of young Richmond, until 
his thirteenth year, was conducted at home by 
his father, in consequence of an accident 
which occurred in his childhood. He injured 
his left leg by foolishly jumping from a wall, 
and it was always afterwards shorter than 
the other. Children often do themselves 
harm in this way, and never get over it 
during the whole course of their lives. At 
thirteen years of age he was sent to school, 
and after having completed his preparatory 
education, he was sent to the university of 
Cambridge when seventeen years old. 

In his early life, Legh Richmond dis- 



10 LIFE OF 

covered a good deal of talent for poetry. He 
wrote several small pieces, before he was 
twelve years of age, but they were not of a 
religious character — though after he was con- 
verted, he consecrated this talent to useful- 
ness in the cause of his Master. '' For one 
accomplishment, he was at this time particu- 
larly distinguished,— -a skilful acquaintance 
with the science of music. He was not only 
a performer, but a composer of no ordinary 
powers; and it may be well here to observe, 
m reference to this subject, that it is delight- 
ful to see how completely the attainments of 
the real christian, are made all alike subser- 
vient to the glory of God. When, in subse- 
quent days, Mr. Richmond w^as surrounded 
by a numerous family, he made it a particular 
object of his attention to turn their musical 
acquirements into a holy channel; and in a 
collection of precepts, drawn up for the use 
of his daughters, are found the following 
beautiful expressions, with respect to this 
pleasing recreation. ' Sacred music is the 
true refuge of the Christian musician. I wish 
your ears, your hearts, and your tongues, 
were oftener tuned to such melodies. ' How 
admirably is a course like this contrasted 
with that of many, even among the Christian 
families of our country, who, while expending 
years of life upon the pages of Weber and 
Rossini, never sound one note tuned to the 



^ LEGH Richmond/ 11 

praises of the God of Providence, and to the 
celebration of a Saviour's love."* 



CHAPTER II. 

Comprising the period from his entrance at the Uni- 
versity^ till his Marriage and Settlement in the Isle 
of Wight. 

Legh Richmond was entered at Trinity 
College, Cambridge, in 1 789. While pursuing 
his studies in this literary institution, he appli- 
ed himself closely; and though destitute of any 
decided religious impressions, he was marked 
by an undeviating propriety of moral con- 
duct. The period at length arrived when it 
became necessary that he should decide on the 
choice of a profession; and his attention was 
directed to the ministry of the established 
church of England, in which he had been 
brought up. At this time, however, his views 
on the subject of the ministry, and indeed of 
religion, were lamentably defective. He 
conscientiously intended to discharge what 
should appear to him to be his duty, but as 
at that period, he had not experienced a 
change of heart, he of coursef had no deep 
sense of the vast importance and awful re- 

* "Adelphos." 



12 LIFE OF 

sponsibility of the charge which he was about 
to undertake — the care of immortal souls. In 
this state of mind, at the age of twenty-two 
years, he wrote to his father, who had all 
along intended that he should study the law, 
giving his ideas on the subject of the ministry, 
and asking leave to study the latter profession. 
His father gave his consent, and he pursued 
his studies in reference to the ministry, un- 
til the year 1797, when he again wrote to his 
father, setting forth more at large his views 
and feelings. This last letter to which we 
allude illustrates in a very remarkable de- 
gree ''the absolute necessity of di\dne illu- 
mination to give deep and spiritual views of 
the gospel, and a true perception of the ex- 
alted character and objects of the ministry 
of reconciliation. It discovers, it is true, a 
very considerable degree of zeal, and gene- 
ral desires to promote the good of mankind 
according to the best of his ability: but we 
look in vain for distinct apprehensions of 
this high office, as being the great instru- 
ment for the conversion of sinners from Satan 
unto God — ^for a marked love of souls — or 
for any large measures of that humbling sense 
of responsibility, which led the great apostle 
to exclaim, 'Who is sufficient for these 
things?' Mr. Bichmond is one only out of a 
number of instances fearfully large, of men 
undertaking the sacred office with inadequate 



LEGH RICHMOND. 13 

views of its nature and importance; and if 
the present brief narrative should meet the 
eyes of any such, let them, with deep se- 
riousness and solemnity, compare the vague 
notions here described, with those brighter 
views which it afterwards pleased a gracious 
Providence to infuse into his heart, and to 
which we shall soon have occasion to refer."* 
There are probably some few among the 
readers of this little volume, whose minds 
have been turned to the subject of the ministry. 
Sunday schools have proved most valuable 
nurseries, and have furnished many among 
the most useful ministers of the present 
day. Blessed be God that it is so, but let 
everyone whose mind is directed this way, look 
well to it, that he possesses the first of all 
qualifications, a heart changed and purified 
by grace, and completely subdued into the 
obedience of Christ; and with this a burn- 
ing love for the salvation of perishing souls. 
He who enters into the work of the ministry 
before he is himself a Christian in the best 
sense of the term, does but endanger his own 
soul — lay up for himself future regrets, with 
bitter tears of penitence, even if he should, 
as Legh Richmond was, be subsequently 
changed — ^but if not, (and there is awful 
danger that he will not be) he can look fw 

* "Adelphos." 



14 LIFE OF 

nothing but the terrible judgments of God 
for souls ruined through his unfaithfulness. 
Ezek. xxxiii. 

With such inadequate ideas, on a subject 
of such infinite importance, Legh Richmond 
was, in 1797, ordained a Deacon; which, in 
the church to which he belonged, is the lowest 
ordei" of the ministry. He was advanced to 
the higher order of a Presbyter, in 1798. In 
the intermediate time he had married Mary, 
the only daughter of James W. Chambers 
Esq. of the city of Bath, and immediately 
proceeded to the Isle of Wight, where he en- 
tered on the curacies of the adjoining parishes 
of Brading and Yaverland. 



CHAPTER III. 

Remarkable conversion — with the incidents which gave 
rise to it. — Reflections, 

It has already been said, that Legh Rich- 
mond entered on the work of the ministry 
without the proper deep impressions of its 
importance and responsibility. He appears to 
have had a desire to discharge its duties con- 
scientiously, so far as his mind was directed 
to the subject, and he exhibited such pro- 
priety of conduct in his moral deportment, 



LEGH RICHMOND. 15 

and in the general duties of his new charge, 
that he acquired the character of a highly re- 
spectable and useful young clergyman. 

"At this time, however, that merciful God 
who was watching over him for good, and 
who had marked him out as a chosen instru- 
ment of extensive usefulness in his church, 
produced a total revolution in his sentiments; 
and that, too, by one of those apparently un- 
important circumstances, whose agency an 
all-wise Providence is so frequently found to 
employ, for the accomplishment of his own 
purposes of love and mercy. A college 
friend, careless of his own soul, and of the 
eternal welfare of others, was about to take 
orders. This young man had just received 
from a relative a copy of Mr. Wilberforce's 
celebrated w^ork upon Practical Christianity: 
but, being too indolent to give it a perusal, 
sent it to Richmond, with the request that he 
would inform him what he was to say re- 
specting its contents. He began it; and, 
through the efficacious blessing of the Holy 
Spirit, it opened a new world of divine truth 
to his vision. He perceived himself a sin- 
ner: he discovered the imperfect sense which 
he had before entertained, of the necessity of a 
complete surrender of body, soul, and spirit, 
to the service of God: and prostrate in humble 
penitence, he went to the cross of Christ for 
pardon, and entered upon new views of his 



16 LIFE O? 

duties and his obligations. The Bible became 
his study — he entered upon a careful scrutiny 
into the writings of the reformers — and, 
through this process, arrived at a full and 
stable conviction, that religion is something 
more tlian a mere general assent to truth, 
and a life of moral correctness. "* 

From that period his mind received a pow- 
erful impulse, and was no longer able to rest 
under its former impressions. A change was 
eftected in his views of divine truth, as de- 
cided as it was influential. The new feelings 
awakened were therefore followed by a trans- 
fer of his time, his talents, and his affections, 
to the service of his God and Saviour, and to 
the spiritual welfare of the flock committed 
to his care. 

An extract from his own account of the 
effect produced on his mind, by the perusal 
of the work of Wilberforce, will not fail to be 
interesting. " I feel it to be a debt of grati- 
tude, which I owe to God and to man, to take 
this affecting opportunity of stating, that to 
the unsought and unexpected introduction of 
Mr. Wilberforce's book on ' Practical Chris- 
tianity,' I owe, through God's mercy, the first 
sacred impression which I ever received, as 
to the spiritual nature of the Gospel system, 
the vital character of personal religion, the 

* Adelphos. 



LEGH RICHMOND. If 

corruption of the human heart, and the way 
of salvation by Jesus Christ. As a young 
minister, recently ordained, and just entrust- 
ed with the charge of two parishes in the Isle 
of Wight, 1 had commenced my labours too 
much in the spirit of the world, and founded 
my public instructions on the erroneous no- 
tions which prevailed amongst my academical 
and literary associates. The scriptural prin- 
ciples stated in the ' Practical View, ' con- 
vinced me of my error; led me to the study 
of the Scriptures with an earnestness to which 
I had liitherto been a stranger; humbled my 
heart, and brought me to seek the love and 
blessing of that Saviour, who alone can aftbrd 
a peace which the world cannot give. Through 
the study of tliis book, I was induced to ex- 
amine the writings of the British and Foreign 
Reformers. I saw the coincidence of their 
doctrines with those of the Scriptures, and 
those which the word of God taught me to be 
essential to the welfare of myself and my 
flock. I know too well what has passed within 
my heart, for now a long period of time, not 
to feel and to confess, that to this incident I 
was indebted, originally, for those solid views 
of Christianity, on which I rest my hope for 
time and eternity. May I not, then, call 
the honoured author of that book my spiritual 
father? And if my spiritual father, there- 
fore my best earthly friend? The wish to 
B 2 



/ 



18 LIFE OF 

connect his name with my own,* was natural 
and justifiable. It was a lasting memorial of 
tlie most important transaction of my life: it 
still lives amidst the tenderness of present 
emotions, as a signal of endearment and grati- 
tude^ and I trust its character is imperish- 
able." 

" A very important lesson to be learnt from 
the preceding narrative, is the necessity of 
discriminating morality from religion. The 
principal error in Mr. Richmond's former 
views consisted in this, viz. that they were 
deficient in the grand charactjeristic features 
of the Gospel. Not that he actually denied 
a single doctrine which the Gospel inculcates; 
but his conceptions were far from being defi- 
nite, clear, and comprehensive. They wanted 
the elevation and spirituality of the Christian 
system. They were founded more on the 
standard of morality, than on the principles 
of the Gospel; and therefore were defective 
as it respects the motive and end of all human 
actions, the two essential properties that con- 
stitute an action acceptable in the sight of a 
holy God. A heathen may be moral, a Chris- 
tian must be more; for though true religion 
will always comprise morality, yet morality 
may exist without religion. There was a 



* Mr. Richmond gave the name of " Wilberforce" 
to his son. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 19 

confusion also in his notion of faith and works, 
and of the respective offices and design of the 
law and of the Grospel. The Saviour was not 
sufficiently exalted, nor the sinner humbled; 
and there was wanting the baptism of ' the 
Holy Ghost and of fire.'^^^Matt. iii. 11. His 
sermons, partaking of the same character, 
were distinguished indeed by solidity of re- 
mark, force of expression, strong appeals to 
the conscience, and a real and commendable 
zeal for the interests of morality; but they 
went no further. As regarded the great end 
of the Christian ministry — ^the conversion of 
immortal souls— they were powerless; for 
moral sermons can produce nothing but moral 
effects; and it is the Gospel alone that is 

mighty through God to the pulling down of 
the strong holds of sin; and bringing into 
captivity every thought to the obedience of 
Christ 2 Cor. x. 4, 5. 

'*The moralist, according to his own creed, 
does all that he can, and then^looks to his 
Redeemer to perform the rest. On the other 
hand, where the moralist ends, the believer 
begins. With him, every work is begun, 
continued, and ended in God. He draws 
from above every motive for his obedience, 
every promise for his encouragement, and 
strength to subdue all his corruptions. Christ 
is the sun that illuminates his moral horizon, 
the living water to refresh his thirst, the hea- 



20 LIFE OF 

venly manna by which he is fed, the first and 
the last, the beginning and the end, tlie Alpha 
and Omega, the 'all and in all.' He is the 
Prophet, by whose wisdom he is taught; 
the Priest, by whose sacrifice he is pardoned; 
the King, by whose authority he is swayed; 
and the Shepherd, on whose tender care he 
reposes all his wants. What then is the 
remedy for the defects to which we have 
alluded, and for the fatal consequences re- 
sulting from them ^ — The knowledge of the 
Gospel; and the full, free, and faithful decla- 
ration of its truths. There must be its tidings 
on the lips, its grace in the heart, and its 
holiness in the life of the preacher. Such was 
the case in the instance of Mr. Richmond, 
after the change above recorded; and crowded 
auditories, an inquiring people, and numerous 
conversions were the happy result. And such 
will ever be the case where the Gospel is faith- 
fully preached. The same causes will always 
produce the same effects. The blind will re- 
ceive their sight, and the lame walk, and the 
deaf hear, and the spiritually dead be raisea 
up to life eternal. "* 

* Grimshawe. 



LEGH RICHMOND. £1 



CHAPTER IV. 

Effects of Legh RichmoruVs conversion. — Zeal in 
ministerial duties. — The young soldier. 

In the preceding chapter, the conversion of 
Mr. Richmond has been recorded. - " In no- 
thing can be seen more plainly the importance, 
to a minister of Christ, of clear views as to 
the corruption of the heart, the need of a Sa- 
viour, and the necessity of an inward change 
by the power of the Holy Ghost, than in the 
totally new results wliich now followed Mr. 
Richmond's labours in the Isle of Wight. 
Previously to this remarkable alteration in 
his sentiments, he had been like a man ex- 
pending all his forces without ever hitting the 
mark. His sermons and endeavours all aim- 
ed at an outward reform in the habits and 
manners of the people; and in this he had suc- 
ceeded. He had made them more regular in 
attention to the sanctuary: had produced or- 
der and subordination: in a word, so far as 
the mere decencies of life were concerned, 
had certainly wrought much improvement. 
But here the effects of his preaching had 
stopped. Awakened to better views, he 
now proclaimed the genuine gospel to his 
people, with all its joys, and winning hopes, 



22 



LIFE OF 



and converting power: and its auditors be- 
came, what they had never yet become under 
the happiest of his merely moral addresses, 
affected, interested, and renewed. Christ, 
crucified for our sins, and the procuring cause 
of inward holiness, and final salvation, be- 
came his great theme; this topic he pressed in 
the pulpit, and urged to the assembled group 
in the cottage; this he recommended daily 
from house to house; while he was constantly 
cheered with convincing testimonies, that the 
preaching of the cross is indeed ' the power 
of God, and the wisdom of God.' Another 
striking effect of his conversion is to be seen 
in his letters, and in his diary. This last is 
a species of composition, in which the whole 
heart is laid open; and the reader, when he 
comes to peruse some extracts from these in- 
teresting daily records, will be struck with 
the deep, humble, and experimental character 
of the religion of this departed servant of 
God, after the change which has been above 
described. A circumstance also is disclosed 
to our observation, not undeserving of notice, 
in the mild and christian character of a con- 
troversy which he carried on in the Christian 
Observer, about this time. Differing most 
essentially in his views of the gospel from his 
opponent, he yet never loses sight of that 
charity, which is ' the very bond of peace, 
and of all virtues;' but exhibits the true tone 



LEGH RICHMOND. 23 

and temper with which every servant of Christ 
should go into the field of theological con- 
flict."* 

" In his parochial engagements, we find him 
fulfilling all the duties of an active and zealous 
minister. The important and essential doc- 
trines of the Gospel were now made the pow- 
erful and affecting themes of his public ad- 
dresses. Man's fallen and ruined state, and his 
deliverance and redemption by Jesus Christ, 
formed the grand outline of his discourses; 
and if the degree in which the truth is preach- 
ed be best estimated by its effects, he could 
appeal to unquestionable evidences of his 
faithfulness; for God blessed his testimony, 
and nuHitjrous converts were the seals of his 
ministry. In addition to the usual and ap- 
pointed duties of the Sabbath, he visited his 
flock, and went from house to house, taking 
care not to make these opportunities the mere 
occasion of friendly and condescending inter- 
course, but the means of real improvement, 
and spiritual edification. The children of 
Brading were also the objects of his tender 
solicitude. They were in the habit of repair- 
ing to him every Saturday for the purpose of 
religious instruction; and his memoir of 
' Little Jane' records one of the happy re- 
suits of these youthful meetings. 

* Adelphos, 



24 LIFE OF 

**In the year 1801, he formed a society at 
Brading, which proved an occasion of much 
benefit; the rules and regulations being pecu- 
liarly calculated to promote order, sobriety, 
and religion. This society met every Wed- 
nesday evening, and he himself assumed the 
oflSce of director. The members of whom it 
was composed were such as had derived ad- 
vantage from his ministry, and were sincerely 
desirous of advancing in knowledge and true 
holiness. A copy of the first address deli- 
vered to them, has been found among his 
papers, from which we extract the concluding 
passage : — 

*' ' In a word, my dear friends, I consider 
you all as deeply sensible that the care of the 
soul is the one thing needful, which if you 
neglect you will perish; but which, if you Re- 
gard with an humble, devout, and sincere heart, 
God will receive and acknowledge you among 
the number of his children. I hope more will 
join themselves to our society, who are in this 
mind and persuasion. It shall be my care to 
do all in my power to cherish and support you 
in all virtue and godliness of living; to com- 
fort you in affliction, to clear up your doubts, 
to reprove your faults, encourage your good 
resolutions, and to be, by God's help, a spi- 
ritual pastor among you, to lead you through 
the pilgrimage of tnis life, to the enjoyment 
of the glories of Paradise. 



LEGH RICHMOND. ^ 

"^ All that I now ask, and beseech of you is, 
that you will be in earnest in your present 
professions, and strive with heart and soul to 
persevere in that good road, wherein I trust 
you now are going. And remember how sad 
will be the lot of those who, having put their 
hand to the plough, look back again, and are 
no longer fit for the kingdom of heaven. Be 
strong then in the Lord, and may his grace 
preserve you in your good resolutions, and 
bring you to the full knowledge of the excel- 
lency of Jesus Christ, and give you the great- 
est of all blessings, forgiveness of sins in this 
world, and life everlasting in the world to 
come. So be it, blessed Lord, now and 
evermore.' 

" To the soldiers that were occasionally 
quartered in that part of the country, he was 
made highly useful by his preaching. The his- 
tory of one of these men is remarkable. It 
is related at length in the ' Christian Obser- 
ver,' for the year 1802, (p. 772.) Being too 
vong for insertion here, the substance of it is 
inserted as follows: — 

'*'A young soldier introduced himself to 
Mr. Richmond, in company with one of his 
comrades, begging to know if he would kindly 
purchase from him, some articles of dress, and 
manuscript sermons. He stated, with much 
embarrassment, that his history was wholly 
unknown to his companions in arms, but that 



26 LIFE OF 

being thus urged, he would recount the pain- 
ful circumstances of his past life. He pro- 
ceeded to declare that he was the son of a 
clergyman in Wales — ^that he had been regu- 
larly ordained, and officiated during three 

years on a curacy in the county of W ; 

that disorderly habits, and debts, incurred 
without the possibility of discharging them, 
had brought him at length to ruin and dis- 
grace; and that, to avoid imprisonment, he 
had been induced to enlist as a common sol- 
dier — that he had served in the last campaign 
in Holland, and was then about to proceed 
with the army, in the expedition to Alexan- 
dria, under Sir James Abercrombie. He ad- 
ded, that it was to furnish himself with a few 
necessaries, that he was led to offer the arti- 
cles in question for sale. Mr. Richmond 
having ascertained, as far as possible, the cor- 
rectness of his story, purchased them; and af- 
terwards held a very long conversation with 
him, on the awful consequences of his past 
life, and his unfaithfulness to the solemn and 
sacred engagement he had formerly contract- 
ed. The soldier seemed to be more abashed 
by the disclosure of his history, than impress- 
ed with the consciousness of his guilt, and 
the admonitions that he received. In June, 
1802, the comrade who had originally accom- 
panied him, once more called on Mr. Rich- 
mond, and stated that he was just returned 



LEGH RICHMOND. 27 

from Egypt, and that the young man, in whose 
welfare he had taken so lively an interest, 
had fallen in battle, and died a true penitent 
— that on the evening preceding the engage- 
ment of the 21st March, he had been seized 
with a presentiment that he should not sur- 
vive the event of the following day; and had 
commissioned him, (the bearer,) should he be 
spared to return, to inform Mr. Richmond, 
that the counsel he had so faithfully given to 
him, though it had failed at the time to im- 
press him as it ought to have done, had ulti- 
mately sunk deep into his conscience, andv 
produced all the effects that he could have 
wished; ' tell our dear pastor,' continued he, 
' that I owe liim more than worlds can repay; 
he first opened my heart to conviction, and 
God has blessed it to repentance. Through 
the unspeakable mercies of Christ, I can die 
with comfort. ' The event that he had prog- 
nosticated was fulfilled; and it was discover- 
ed that poor Mr. E— — lost his life by a 
cannon ball, at an early period in the action.' 
" It was in the Isle of Wight that the scene 
is laid of those popular tracts, composed by 
Mr. Richmond, the reputation of which is 
now so widely diffused in all parts of the 
world. 

"His 'Dairyman's Daughter,' resided at 
Arreton, a village six miles distant from 
Brading, where he was in the habit of occa- 



£8 LIEE OF 

sionally visiting her, by particular request, 
during her last illness. Her name was Wall- 
bridge; and who that has read her history, can 
repress the emotions that such unaffected piety 
and sanctified affliction are calculated to 
awaken ? 

"His 'Negro Servant' lived in the family 
of an officer in the neighbourhood. His 
* Young Cottager' was one of his Sunday- 
school children, at Brading, and the first 
fruits of his ministry in that parish. As we 
shall have occasion to allude to these publica- 
tions in another part of the memoir, we shall 
restrict ourselves to this brief allusion to inci- 
dents in the relation of which the author has 
excited so much interest."* 



CHAPTER V. 

Extracts from Mr. Richmond's Diary, 

We now lay before the reader the follow- 
ing extracts from the diary to which we have 
alluded. 

" Jan. 1. A new year is begun, but where 
is the new heart, and the right spirit? 0, 
weakness and wickedness! Preached from 
Rom. xi. 28, 29; and Job xvi. 22. Felt much 

* Grimshawe. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 29 

satisfaction after the morning service, from 
J and his wife proposing to become mem- 
bers of my society. He shed tears of penitence 
and joy. May God work all for good. In 
the ^ternoon, felt something of the fear of 
man; but found, as I proceeded, more free- 
dom. Lord, save me from fear of censure, 
and love of praise I Went in the evening to 
my society at Arreton: few, but meek, hum- 
ble, and hopeful. Another member proposed, 
an infirm old widow. 

^'Jan, 6. A beautiful frosty morning. 
Teach me, O Lord! from the beauties of na- 
ture, to learn the beauties of grace. Every 
returning morning reminds me what a mercy 
it is I am still alive; and have space and time 
given me to repent and believe. Take my 
heart, O God! into thy keeping, and then it 
will be safe. If it be thy good pleasure to 
rescue me from temporal perplexity, let my 
gratitude appear; if not, let it be ground for 
submission and patient resignation. With 
thee, I cannot do ill; without thee, I cannot 
do well. Heard Nugent's morning prayers. 
May he learn early the lesson, which I for so 
many years neglected, and now perform so 
unworthily. Prayer is the breath of faith. 

'' Jem. 8, Sunday. Snow and sleet. How 

cold are my affections! like this season. 

Warm my heart, Lord! till it burn with 

the flames of devotion. Compose my thought* 

c 2 



30 tlFE OF 

into holy meditation, and let not the events 
of the day destroy them. 

" Jan. 10. What an awful idea is eternity: 
am I prepared to encounter it? ' Oh, spare me 
a little, that I may recover my strength be- 
fore I go hence, and be no more seen!' Set- 
tle my opinions steadfastly, and above all, my 
affections on thyself, O Lord! Have mercy 
on the dear children whom thou hast given 
me, and may I give them back unto thee in 
Jesus Christ, their and my Saviour. 

" Jan. 14. One fortnight more, and I shall 
be thirty-two in years by nature, but how old 
in grace } Sloth, detested sloth, how does it 
injure my advancement! Would to God I 
might now break all bonds, and fly in heart 
and soul to the possession of my God. There 
are moments when all heaven seems open be- 
fore me; and others, when I tremble over the 
pit of sorrows. 

"Jan. 15^ The Sabbath is ended. I preach- 
ed on the reason why Christ delivered his 
doctrine in parables; Matt. xiii. 10, 1 1. Went 
to Arreton; my excellent though humble friend, 
J. W. was there. I pray God I might sit at 
his feet in the kingdom of heaven: I know no 
such other Christian here. Would to God I 
were like him. I found much comfort with 
my society. Returned in thunder, lightning, 
and rain. Thought of death and of judgment. 
Oh, awful meditation ! Let me examine my 



LEGH RICHMOND. 31 

heart on its faith, hope, and love. Help me, 
O God I to pray: and so may thy blessing rest 
on me and mine. 

''/an. 17. I feel much uneasiness at not 
making more progress in the right way. The 
unfruitful tree shall be cut down and burned. 
Have mercy on me, and all my fiimily, accord- 
ing to thy goodness, O Lord! Help me to 
form a right judgment, bind my affection to 
the truth, and so let my life show it forth. 
Often, as my birth-day approached, have I 
made resolutions of a new life; but there has 
always been an enemy within and without, to 
prevail against me. 

'' Feb. 11. This day is to be an eclipse of 
the sun. What a beautiful emblem of those 
eclipses of the soul, which sometimes hide the 
face of God from the sons of earth. Oh, re- 
vive me with thy presence, my God ! even thy 
effectual and abiding presence. I liave been 
meditating on the parable of the good Sama- 
ritan, in a spiritual application, with a view 
of preaching on it. May both its literal and 
mystical sense shine forth in me. 

"To-morrow is thy day, God of Hosts I 
may I sanctify it, and may my words be 
blessed to the hearts of my hearers. Enable 
me to speak /rom the heart to the heart. 

'' Feb. 15. Ash- Wednesday. Is this truly 
so to me ^ Do I mourn in dust and ashes for 
my sins ? I want the spirit of mortification 



32 LIFE OF 

and self-denial. Enable me to preach to my 
people without fear of man, and with the love 
of God in ray own heart. 

" Oh, my God! guide, direct, sanctify and 
bless me, and all mine and all thine. 

" Feb. 16. How weak, frail, and inconstant 
a creature is man; and of men, myself most 
deplorably so. Sometimes my desires and 
resolutions run mountains high; and then I 
grow faint, and the stream of my affections is 
muddied and thick. Let me think of my 
children and my household, and of their spi- 
ritual welfare; and not cleave in heart to any 
one temptation thro wain my way by the world. 

'^ March 30. Good-Friday. 1. bless God 
that my first act has been weeping for thy sor- 
rows, O my Saviour!'' 

''It is impossible to peruse the foregoing 
extracts without a deep conviction of the 
sincerity and earnestness of the writer. The 
heart seems to be unfolded before us, stripped 
of the illusions of self-love, which are so apt 
to mingle in the estimate that we form of 
ourselves; and conscience is armed with all 
the authority of a judge, and pronounces its 
impartial verdict 

" We see in his internal conflicts the strug- 
gles between the two opposing principles, 
' the flesh and the spirit:' trie strivings of in- 
ward corruption, and the aspirations of the 



LEGH RICHMOXD. 33 

soul towards God. The feelings of every 
renewed heart will harmonize with this de- 
scription^ though the accurate observer will 
not fail to remark, that the full triumphs of 
faith and hope were yet wanting, and that 
stability, which time and experience can 
alone bestow: for though the principle which 
renews the heart is marked throughout by 
circumstances which ascertain its reality, its 
effects ^nd influences are always progres- 
sive. The reader who is less familiar with 
these things, may here learn a most in- 
structive lesson. He may not comprehend 
the doctrine of conversion — ^he may know 
nothing of the conflicts of the soul — nothing 
of the two principles within, alternately 
striving for tne mastery — nothing of that 
jealousy over the heart, and that deep con- 
viction of its depravity, expressed in the Di- 
ary of Mr. Richmond. Let him then exam- 
ine the fact here presented to his notice; he 
sees a man undergoing a visible and remark- 
able change in his views and conduct, and 
his principles and affections directed to high 
and holy objects,'— the reality of the prin- 
ciple attested by the reality of its effects, and 
inward grace illustrated by outward holiness. 
Let him remember, that the conversion, so 
strikingly exhibited in the case of Mr. Rich- 
mond, is no less needed by himself — that it 
is indispensable to his admission into the 



34 LIFE OF 

abodes of peace and glory; and that if heaven 
be a prepared place for a prepared people, 
and a fitness for its enjoyments be essential 
to their possession, there must be a know- 
ledge of tliis principle, an inward experience 
of its power, and an outward evidence of its 
existence in the life, before he can have a 
well-grounded assurance of a happy immor- 
tality; for the spirit of heavenly inspiration 
has recorded, in characters never to be 
obliterated, ' except ye be converted, ye 
shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of 
heaven.'"* 



CHAPTER VI. 

Removal from the Isle of Wight, — Temporary con- 
nexion with the Lock Hospital^ and final settlement 
at Turvey. 

In the year 1805, Mr. Richmond removed 
from his little flocks in the Isle of Wight. 
" A change of destination in the life of a 
minister is at all times a subject for grave 
deliberation. He can take no step, in the 
consequences of which others are not deeply 
involved as well as himself. If the glory of 
God, and conversion of immortal souls, is 

* Grimshawe. 



LEGH RIOHMOND. oD 

the grand object of which, as a minister, he 
is never to lose sight, nothing less than a 
deliberate and well-founded conviction that 
this is likely to be promoted by the step con- 
templated, ought to determine his removal, 
more especially from a scene where his la- 
bours have been owned and blest. 

" It was under the fullest conviction that he 
was pursuing tlie path of duty, that Mr. 
Richmond was induced to listen to the pro- 
position of assisting the Rev. Mr. Fry, in his 
laborious services as Chaplain to tne Lock 
Hospital in London. He proceeded, there- 
fore, to London, to confer on the subject of 
this new arrangement, and preached his first 
sermon from the following text: ' But of him 
are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made 
unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanc- 
tification, and redemption. ' " — 1 Cor. i. 30.* 

It appears from a letter written at this pe- 
riod, that the mind of Mrs. Richmond was 
more particularly directed towards the sub- 
ject 01 religion, than it had been previously; 
and though Mr. Richmond was very much 
engaged in the duties and arrangements of 
the new situation which he intended to oc- 
cupy, we find him deeply intent in dispens- 
ing spiritual instruction to others, especially 
to those most dear. The letter to which we 

* Grimshawe. 



36 LIFE OF 

have alluded is well worthy the perusal of all 
who are anxiously inquiring into the tilings 
which make for their everlasting peace. 

" London, April 20, 1805. 

''My dear Wife, — I really feel it as an 
answer to very many prayers which I have 
for years past offered up for you, that you 
are now seriously thinking on the all -import- 
ant subject of religion. I trust you wdll 
henceforth become my spiritual monitor and 
counsellor, my helpmate in every good word 
and work, and my wife indeed, united in 
grace as well as in providence. With respect 
to the inward conflicts and doubts which you 
entertain in your mind, you must seek spi- 
ritual armour to fight the battle. Remember, 
that if you truly desire to overcome all the 
e\il tempers, affections, desires, and princi- 
ples of your natural heart, you have an evi- 
dence within that God must have wrought it, 
and that he will not suffer you to be tempted 
above what you are able to bear; but will, 
with the temptation, make a way to escape. 
With respect to prayer, I recommend you to 
consider the precept of 'pray always and 
without ceasing.' This evidently refers to 
that perpetual disposition of the heart to lift 
itself up in sudden, short, ejaculatory prayer, 
which IS one of the most necessary means 
and proofs of grace. It is this alone which 



LEGH RICHMOXD. 3/ 

can render the appointed and regular devo- 
tions of the church, the family, and the 
closet, lively, strong, and efficacious. Satan 
will lose much of his strong-hold, if you thus 
laboriously strive to obtain a prayerful frame 
of heart, an habitual meditation upon Christ 
and eternity, a frequency of conversing on 
sacred things, and above all, experimental con- 
templation and conversation. The world is 
a deadly enemy to spiritual attainment; you 
cannot too soon see the high importance of 
being less conformed to it, in all its vanities, 
vices, follies, and unprofitable waste of time, 
gifts, and talents. The Christian will ap- 
pear, even in the simplicity of every personal 
ornament The dress, tlie countenance, tlie 
tone of voice, the address, will lose its for- 
mer levity; and in the minutest trifles of 
common life, you will see the hand of God 
leading to important events, and his finger 
pointing to the life that is to come. I have 
just been praying most earnestly, that God 
may carry on such a work in your heart. The 
grand work of all is to believe. This is the root 
and fountain of all other graces. That believing 
look at the Saviour, which sees an interest in 
him, or which at least leads to full convic- 
tion, both of his sufficiency and efficiency to 
save our own souls, is the master work of 
God. May you be fully led to see this, and 
in God's own time to rejoice in it." 

D 



38 LIFE OF 

We have stated that Mr. Richmond removed 
from the Isle of Wight to assist the Rev. Mr. 
Fry, as chaplain to the Lock Hospital. 

''In this post, however, it was the will of 
Providence that he should not continue for 
any length of time: for almost immediately 
after his settlement at the Lock, some cir- 
cumstances took place which led to his de- 
parture for that scene of ministerial labour, in 
which he continued to the end of his life. He 
had been only a few weeks in London, when 
the rectory of Turvey, in Bedlordshire, be- 
came vacant by the death of the Rev. Eras-- 
mus Middleton, the well known author of 
' Biographia Evangelica.' The right of 
choosing a minister for this place belonged to 
Mrs. Fuller, a lady of eminent piety of charac- 
ter; who being desirous of fulfilling her trust to 
the glory of God, wrote to the late Ambrose 
Serle, one of the Commissioners of the Trans- 
port Office, and known as the author of 
'Horae Solitarise,' stating that she would 
present the call to any clergyman whom he 
should nominate. Mr. Serle, who at that 
time attended the Lock Chapel, fixed upon 
Mr. Richmond; and, in the month of October 
he removed there with his family. I cannot, 
however, pass by the change of residence now 
related, without holding up to view the pure 
and exalted spirit exhibited on this occasion, 
by the excellent subject of the present sketch. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 59 

Legli Richmond could with difficulty be per- 
suaded to accept of the rectory to which he 
had been named; imagining tliat his sphere 
of usefulness in that place would be much 
less extended, than in the situation he at pre- 
sent filled. It appears that he was not aware 
of the actual population of Turvey : but, upon 
the representations of his friends on this point, 
he finally determined to remove to the scene, 
to which Providence had so unexpectedly 
opened the way. What might we not hope, 
in regard to the increased respect of mankind 
for the ministers of God, were they all go- 
verned in their determinations, by a principle 
thus high and holy.^ Let them endeavour, 
that the charge may never with truth be 
sounded upon the lips of the enemies of re- 
ligion, that the ambassadors of Christ are in- 
fluenced only by mercenary and worldly views; 
that the prospect of a trifling increase of reve- 
nue has charms too powerful to be resisted; 
and that while self is thus made the first and 
prominent object, the interests of trutli, and 
the glory of God, are offered up a willing and 
remorseless sacrifice. ' Feed the flock of God 
which is among you, taking the oversight 
thereof, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready 
mind.'"* 

* "Adelphos." 



40 LIFE OF 



CHAPTER Vll. 

Commencement of his ministrif at Turvey — -former state 
of the parish — plans for improvement — Fathers of 
the English Church, 

The portion of the life of Richmond upon 
which we now enter, begins to assume a much 
more important appearance, and to awaken a 
much more lively interest. 

It is melancholy to remark, that before Mr. 
Richmond removed to the village of Turvey, 
the duties of the church there, had been very 
irregularly performed, and the religious im- 
provement of the inhabitants very greatly 
neglected: for although the population was at 
least 800, there had only been one service on 
each Sunday, and no other means employed 
to promote the immortal welfare of the people. 
Things had been gradually improving, however, 
for about a year; as Mr. Erasmus Middleton, 
a pious and exemplary clergyman was for that 
length of time, settled in this parish. But it 
was the will of Providence, that he should be 
removed from time into eternity, and leave 
the work in the hands of one of whom it may 
truly be said that he was in labours ' more 
abundant. ' 

" Mr. Richmond succeeded Mr. Middleton, 
and entered on his new appointment with a 
reputation for talents and piety, which excited 



LEGH RICHMOND. 41 

a great interest in the neighbourhood, and an 
expectation of extensive usefulness among his 
parishoners. The text of his first sermon was 
taken from 1 Cor, ii. 2: * For I determined 
not to know any thing among you, save Jesus 
Christ, and Him crucified.' From these words 
he uniformly preached on every returning 
anniversary of his incumbency, and continued 
to do so till the last year of his life. 

" To those who overlook the comprehensive 
meaning of this passage of holy Scripture, the 
text may seem to be too limited in its view, 
and to restrict the whole summary of divine 
truth to the doctrine of the Atonement, with- 
out a due regard to other important branches 
of Christian faith and practice. But let it be 
remembered, that the same apostle, who 

* determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ 
and Him crucified,' avows also, that he had 

* not shunned to declare all the counsel of 
God,' {Acts XX. 27;) and consequently, the 
passage must be supposed to comprise, within 
its ample range, the full extent and substance 
of every thing that is needful to the faith and 
practice of the Christian; nor is there a subject 
of doctrine or of morals, which is not es- 
sentially identified with the doctrine of the 
Cross. It is there that we best learn the 
malignity of sin, the nature and duty of 
repentance, the character of holiness, the 
motives and means for its attainment, and the 

d2 



42 LIFE OF 

dutiful obligation to ^glorify God with our 
bodies and our spirits, which are his.' 

" On the Sabbath *d ay, there were two regu- 
lar full services; and in the evening, a lecture, 
more especially designed for the young. His 
weekly labours commenced with what he 
called his Tuesday -night cottage lecture, from 
its being held successively in the cottages of 
the poor, whom he assembled for the purpose 
of more familiar and interior instruction than 
could be usefully or suitably delivered in 
public. On Friday evening, a lecture was 
delivered in the church, and once a month he 
met the communicants, on the Saturday pre- 
ceding the sacrament. He had also a weekly 
service at the w^orkhouse. At the cottages 
of the poor he was a frequent visiter; following 
the apostolical example, of going from 
' house to house,' and scattering the precious 
seed, making himself acquainted with their 
spiritual state, and gathering from their 
answers, useful hints and reflections for the 
service of the succeeding Sabbath. 

" A Sunday-school had been established at 
Turvey for many years, endowed by Charles 
Higgins, Esq., who bequeathed 300/. in sup- 
port of the charity. The school, though well 
attended before, had its numbers considerably 
increased, and its regulations greatly im- 
proved by the new rector. He appointed a 
superintendent, of real piety, justly consider- 



LEGH RICHMOND. 43 

in^ that oa his principles and character the 
efficiency and usefulness of these institutions 
materially depend. Mr. Richmond was ac- 
customed to visit the school previous to divine 
service; and, for the children's benefit chiefly, 
he engaged in a third service in the church, 
on the Sunday evening. Here the first-fruits 
of his ministry appeared. TTie conversion of 
two young people^ who afterwards died in the 
faith^ followed his introductory address to 
children. Mr. Richmond, indeed, was pecu- 
liarly successful on these occasions, and no 
part of his labours was attended with more 
striking effects. It is remarkable that both 
at Turvey and at Brading, the first memorials 
of his usefulness occurred in the instance of 
children. 

" As might be expected, his exertions on the 
week day contributed, in no small degree, to 
give effect to Mr. Richmond's ministry, and 
attach the people to it. The church was nu- 
merously attended; the Sabbath became a 
hallowed day, and its approach was anticipa- 
ted with lively expectation. The gospel was 
preached with fidelity, and heard with deep 
and solemn interest. Many were awakened 
from a state of insensibility and thoughtless- 
ness, to a just estimation of the truths which 
they heard from their beloved pastor. In- 
stances were not infrequent of sound and 
solid conversion; and even those who received 



44 LIFE OF 

little spiritual benefit, learned to treat religion 
with respect, and began to exhibit a decency 
of deportment. Vice did not lift up the head 
with its wonted eftrontery, nor was sin com- 
mitted with the same fearless unconcern, and 
disregard to its consequences. 

"Another circumstance in the ministry of 
Mr. Richmond deserves the particular atten- 
tion of the reader; we mean the examination 
of candidates for the communion. Mr. Rich- 
mond, as a faithful minister of the Gospel, 
endeavoured to carry into effect the direc- 
tions of the Holy Scriptures: 1 Cor. v. 7, 
&c. xi. 28. The person proposing himself 
for the communion was examined, and a year 
of probation was recommended to him for 
the trial of his sincerity, and the manifesta- 
tion of it by a consistent and virtuous con- 
versation. Perhaps there were few commu- 
nions which exhibited a more satisfactory 
piety; and the attendants at the sacrament 
were, for the most part, the fruits of his own 
ministry, and the dearest objects of his heart: 
he was regarded by them as a father; they 
consulted him on all occasions, and received 
advice and sympathy in all their affairs, 
both temporal and spiritual. At once re- 
spected and beloved by ' the children which 
God had given him,' he, in return, watched 
over them with anxiety, prayed for them 
with earnestness, instructed tnem with dili- 



LEGH RICHMOND. 45 

gence, ruled them with mildness, and regard- 
ed them with tlie affection of an apostle: 
*for now we live, if ye stand fast in the 
Lord.'" 1 Thess. iii. 8.* 

** It was during the first few years of his 
residence at Turvey, that Mr. Richmond 
finished a work w^hich proved of essential 
utility, in directing the attention of the pub- 
lic to the writings of the English Reformers. 
His book was entitled ' The Fathers of the 
English Church;' containing ample selections 
from the writings of those great men. He 
issued his prospectus in the year 1806; and 
shortly afterwards commenced the publica- 
tion, in numbers, and at length finished it in 
eight volumes. Much of that revival of the 
pure doctrines of the reformation which has 
taken place of late years in England, may be 
traced, under God, to the influence of this 
work."t 



CHAPTER Vni. 

Character of Mr, Richmond's preaching. 

Mr. Grimshawe, in his memoir, enters 
largely, and with very peculiar interest, into 
this subject; and his analysis of Mr. Rich- 
mond's preaching discloses at once the grand 

* Grimshawe. t " Adelphos. ' 



W> LIFE OF 

secret of his success as a faithful steward of 
the mysteries of Christ. 

" As a preacher he was scriptural — experi- 
mental — practical — comprehensive — powerful 
in his appeals to the conscience and addresses 
to the heart— full of pathos and interest. 

1 . He was scriptural. A rich vein of di- 
vine truth was diffused through his sermons. 
The Law and the Gospel were clearly and 
distinctly exhibited in all their characteristic 
features, and enforced to their respective 
ends. No doctrine was asserted without a 
constant appeal to the authority of Scripture, 
with the contents of which he was familiarly 
acquainted. No man can become a sound 
and enlightened divine, who does not give 
his days and nights to the study of the Ora- 
cles of God, accompanied by prayer and 
meditation. The connexion of solid piety 
with an intimate knowledge of the Scriptures 
is indissoluble. This forms, indeed, the ma- 
nual of every Christian, but belongs in a more 
especial degree to the minister of the sanctu- 
ary. It is the armoury whence he must draw 
all his weapons; — ^it is the treasury whence 
he is to be supplied with every motive and 
every argument which, through the grace 
and power of the Holy Spirit, can fix convic- 
tion on the mind, rouse the torpid conscience, 
excite the affections of the heart, and elevate 
the soul to God. It is the sceptre of righteous- 



LEGH RICHMOND. A7 

ness, by which he rules and guides the 
flock; — the depository of every promise that 
can cheer their passage through tlie valley of 
the shadow of death; and by it they are 
taught the new song, which will animate their 
praises in the land of their inheritance — 
^ Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to re- 
ceive power, and riches, and wisdom, and 
strength, and honour, and glory, and bless- 
ing, lor ever and ever. Amen. ' 

"2. He was experimentaL Divine truth, 
from his lips, was not a cold, speculative 
statement; but was so interwoven with all the 
inward experiences of the human heart, as 
peculiarly to promote the edification of his 
nearers. He could appropriate the language 
of the Apostle, and say, ' that which we have 
heard, which we have seen with our eyes, 
which we have looked upon, and our hands 
have handled,of the Word of life, declare we 
unto you.' Pt^om the heart he preached to 
the heart, and seemed to enter into all its 
secret recesses. He detected the illusions 
by which it is beguiled — he traced human 
action to its hidden springs— he accompanied 
the soul in the alternations of doubt and hope, 
of fear and joy, in its conflicts with despair 
and unbelief; till, led to the foot of the cross, 
it was able to repose in the promises of God, 
and realize the sweet enjoyment of pardon 
and peace. 



48 LIFE OF 

"3. He was practical. He did not preach 
doctrine without practice, nor practice with- 
out doctrine, but both in due proportion, in 
their mutual dependence, connexion, and 
use. He connected precept with promise, 
and privilege with duty. As a spiritual 
workman, he considered doctrine to be the 
foundation, and practice the superstructure 
to be erected upon it; adopting the sentiment 
of one of his favourite Reformers — '' truly it 
is said, ^without holiness no man shall see 
the Lord;' but this I know, without the Lord, 
no man shall see holiness.'' 

"4. He was comprehensive, Christianity, 
in his mode of exhibiting it, was a grand and 
comprehensive whole; while the symmetry 
of the several parts was faithfully preserved. 
He did not give one part of divine truth any 
undue preponderance over another. All the 
doctrines and all the precepts — all the pro- 
mises, and all the characters to whom they 
are made — all the privileges and all the 
duties, were, in turn, the theme of his dis- 
courses. It is this beautiful order, and 
harmonious combination of all its various re- 
lations, that constitutes one of the character- 
istic features of a Revelation from above. 

"5, He was impressive in his appeals to the 
heart and conscience. Some preachers are 
very deficient in this respect; either wholly 
omitting to apply their subject, or for the 



LEGH RICHMOND. 49 

most part failing in discrimination. A dis- 
course, to be profitable, must come home to 
our own case. 

" Mr. Richmond, in appealing to his liearers, 
was faithful, searching, forcible, and impres- 
sive. He reproved, rebuked, exhorted, 
'with all long-suffering and doctrine;' but his 
exhortations were accompanied by the most 
affecting displays of the mercy, power, and 
grace of God in the gospel; and while his 
own experience of the truths he uttered, gave 
an authority and efficacy to his words, God 

fut his seal to the testimony, and crowned 
is labours with success. 

''In presenting this delineation of Mr. Rich- 
mond's mode of preaching, the editor feels 
there would yet be somediing wanting, to 
give its complete character, if it were not 
stated more specifically, that the Saviour, in 
his various offices of Prophet, Priest, and 
King, was the grand theme of Mr. Richmond's 
ministrations. His excellence, like that of a 
skilful painter, consisted in so arranging all 
the subordinate parts of his picture, as to 
give due prominence and effect to the princi- 
pal figure. Christ Jesus was the soul of all 
his discourses^ and every precept, every pro^ 
mise, derived its force and value from its 
bearing and relation to him. 

" In that important branch of Christian theo- 
logy relating to faith and works, where some 

E 



50 LIFE OF 

preachers are most confused, he was most clear 
and scriptural. He laid the foundation in 
Christ alone, and in faith in his name; — a 
faith which was represented to be the gift of 
God, and the work of his Spirit; living, ener- 
getic, fruitful and holy;— not the cause, but 
the instrument of salvation; and he taught, that 
good works were themselves the subjects of pro- 
mise; (Mic. vii. 19;) the necessary fruits and 
evidences of faith, but not the meritorious 
conditions, in whole or in part, of the divine 
favour. It may be thought, that where the 
necessity of faith and good works is equally 
admitted, distinctions of this kind need not 
be pressed with so much earnestness; but it 
will be found, that the right understanding 
of these distinctions involves the most im- 
portant consequences. It is not a matter of 
small moment, whether we put cause for 
effect, or attribute to our own imperfect 
services that salvation, which is the result of 
God's free grace in Christ Jesus. So far as 
our own doings enter into the meritorious 
grounds of our acceptance, they destroy the 
character of the gospel as a dispensation of 
gratuitous mercy. ' If by grace, then is it no 
more of works; otherwise grace is no more 
grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more 
grace; otherwise work is no more work.' — 
5?om. xi. 6. It has been said, that the poor, 
who constitute the larger part of a congregation, 



LEGH RICHMOND. 51 

are unable to comprehend these theological 
subtleties, which ought not, therefore, to 
form a part of ministerial instruction. We 
cannot better meet this objection, than by a 
reference to the sentiments of Bishop Hors- 
lej: — ^Pray earnestly to God to assist the 
ministration of the word, by the secret influ- 
ence of his Holy Spirit, on the minds of your 
hearers; and, notliing doubting that your 
prayers are heard, however mean and illiter- 
ate the congregation may be, in which you 
exercise your sacred functions, fear not to 
set before them the whole counsel of God. 
Open the whole of your message without re- 
servation^ that every one of you may have 
confidence to say, when he shall be called 
upon to rive an account of his stewardship, 
* Lord, I have not hid thy righteousness with- 
in my heart; I have not concealed thy lov- 
ing-kindness and truth from the great congrega- 
tion. ' We will merely add to this testimony, 
that the doctrines of grace are often better 
understood by the poor and illiterate, than 
by the rich and the wise. * I thank thee, O 
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because 
thou hast hid these things from the wise and 
prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. ' 
— Matt. xi. 25. The cross of Christ, which 
is declared to be, ' to the Jews a stumbling 
block, and to the Greeks foolishness,' is to 
them that believe ' the power of God, and the 



52 LIFE OF 

wisdom ot God.'— iCor.i. 23,24. The reception 
of divine truth demands not human learning, 
but poverty and humiliation of spirit. The 
learned are required to become as fools, and 
to enter the kingdom of heaven as little chil- 
dren. While to learning is reserved the 
honour of defending the outworks of religion, 
it is the happy privilege of none but the meek 
and lowly, whether learned or unlearned, 
wise or ignorant, rich or poor, to enter in 
and be saved."* 

From this account of the matter and man- 
ner of Mr. Richmond's preaching, it is by no 
means surprising to hear that he attracted 
crowded congregations wherever he went. 
There is something in the simple declaration 
of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, which is 
calculated to excite the attention even of 
careless, and worldly minded men; and un- 
less under very extraordinary circumstances 
of mental insufficiency in the preacher, the 
gospel when exhibited in all its fulness will 
command attention. The fact that where the 
gospel is most fully and faithfully preached, 
there will generally be found the largest and 
the most attentive congregations, goes to 
prove that God will put such honour upon his 
own word, as to constrain the reluctant 
tribute even of those to whom evangelical 

* Grimshawe. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 53 

truth is disagreeable. It is remarkable of 
Mr. Richmond, that while he was able al- 
ways to attract large congregations, and to 
keep alive their interest, he scarcely ever 
preached without the most decided proofs of 
a divine power accompanying his ministra- 
tions. Mr. Richmond was an eloquent speak- 
er in every sense of the word; for to his 
fervent piety and entire devotedness to the 
work, he added natural endowments of a very 
striking character. About his method of 
speaking there was nothing laboured or arti- 
ficial. It was the ardent expression of a 
mind deeply impressed with the importance 
of his subject, full of the most affectionate 
solicitude for the welfare of immortal souls, 
and having these great objects in view — the 
glory of God and the salvation of souls. 

Mr. Richmond was in his preaching very 
plain and familiar, so as to be understood by 
the most unlearned of his congregations. He 
adopted what is called extempore preaching — 
that is, he thought much on the subject he 
was to present to the people, and he prayed 
much that the Lord would give him power to 
place the truth before his hearers in its sim- 
plicity and godly sincerity, and then he 
trusted to the moment for the words in which 
Ins ideas should be clothed. As has often 
been the case, the first attempt of Mr. Rich- 
mond at extempore preaching was a total 
E 2 



54 LIFE OF 

failure — he was ashamed of it, and had almost 
determined never again to venture. His de- 
termination however was altered at the solici- 
tation of a friend, and let it be recorded as an 
encouragement to others, that his second at- 
tempt succeeded beyond all his expectations, 
and he never afterwards found any difficulty. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Mr. Richmond's Connexion with Religious Societies 

" Among the most active and astonishing of 
the public labours endured by Mr. Rich- 
mond, were the tours which he was in the ha- 
bit of making, in behalf of the different reli- 
gious institutions of England. He was a 
decided and warm friend of that illustrious 
association, the British and Foreign Bible So- 
ciety. It was an object calculated to awaken 
the sympathies of an ardent spirit such as 
his^ and he perceived something so sublime 
and touching, not only in the extent of its 
charity, but in its union of christians of every 
name upon the common ground of spreading 
the blessed book of God, that he could not 
withhold from it the fullest and most hearty 
co-operation. For this institution, and for 
the Church Missionary and Jews' Societies, 



^ LEGH RICHMOND. 55 

he sounded many an eloquent appeal in va- 
rious parts of the kingdom; while, during all 
this attention to the acU^ancement of the cause 
of Christ in other regions, his solicitude and 
exertions were not in the least relaxed in re- 
gard to the concerns of his parochial care, 
and to the welfare of his large and interest- 
ing family. It is one of the charges urged 
by the opponents of these great institutions, 
that they distract the views of their active ad- 
vocates from objects which have a more im- 
mediate claim upon their notice. We be- 
lieve it would be no very difficult matter to 
show, that those among the clergy who are 
most distinguished for their zeal in the cause 
of the great societies of the age, are no less 
remarkable for a corresponding activity with- 
in the circle of their respective churches; 
and thus to establish the truth of the posi- 
tion, that these holy and interesting objects in 
which they are engaged, so far from weaken- 
ing their affection for home, have a sanctify- 
ing and animating influence upon their minis- 
terial labours of love. Such was found to be 
invariably the case, in the instance of Legh 
Richmond. From these journeys, which he 
so frequently undertook, for the purpose of 
preaching missionary sermons, and pleading 
the cause of the heathen in foreign lands, he 
returned with new energies to his narrower 
sphere at Turvey; his preaching came with 



56 LIFE OF 

remarkable accession of spirituality, and hea* 
venly earnestness; and the anxiety with 
which, during his abs(jnce, he ever thought 
of his fire-side and of his people, may be seen 
by the letters addressed, at different times 
upon these occasions, to his curate and his chil- 
dren. Home was never out of his mind — 
for this he prayed in secret, and as he tra- 
velled along the road to the several places of 
his destination : and though called, at such 
periods, to preach every day during the week, 
to converse much on the subjects of his jour- 
ney, and to continual and strong excitement, 
his ' heart untravelled' turned to his beloved 
Turvey with faithful constancy. So that in 
regard to the effects, upon his own immediate 
circle, of these labours in general objects of 
christian benevolence, nothing was lost, and 
every thing was gained. "* 

One object of amazing importance gained 
to the cause of Christ, by the zeal and ener- 
gy of Mr. Richmond and others in behalf of 
the religious societies of the age, was that the 
object of the kingdom of Christ, and the 
means of its advancement, were brought be- 
fore the minds of the people. Previous to the 
establishment of these societies, very little 
interest, comparatively, appeared to have 
been taken in the advancement of the Re- 
deemer's kingdom on any large scale. — " The 

*"Adelphos." 



LEGH RICHMOND. 57 

change subsequently produced, is obvious to 
all. We may hence learn an important les- 
son; — a, nation may be sunk in religious apa- 
thy; the zeal and piety of churches may lie 
dormant, and tlie prospect may appear dark 
and lowering. But amidst general declen- 
sions, some characters are always preserved 
by the power and grace of God from the con- 
taminating effects of the surrounding luke- 
warmness; and it is to their efforts that we 
must look, at such times, for the needed re- 
vival. If it be asked, how are these efforts 
to be employed .»^ We answer, use the ne- 
cessary means^ in dependence upon a divine 
power, and let the public mind be roused and 
excited. Men have intelligence, affections, 
conscience, and capacities of action. These 
properties may grow torpid, but they are not 
extinguished; they require only to be called 
into action. Let us deal, then, with men as 
moral agents. Let us address to the un- 
derstandings arguments calculated to inform 
and convince — to the hearty what is likely to 
impress and engage — and to the conscience^ 
what is best suited to rouse it from its state 
of torpor. Let us apply the exciting princi- 
pie, and be unwearied in invoking the divine 
blessing, which can alone crown our efforts 
wdth success, and God ' ivill open rivers in 
high places^ and fountains in the midst of 
the valleys; he will^make the wHdeimess a 



58 LIFE OF 

pool of water^ and the dnj land springs of 
water, '^ — Isa. xli. 18. 

" Let churches and ministers of the sanctua- 
ry, and individuals in their respective fami- 
lies, adopt this principle; and communities 
will prosper, churches will revive, and the 
domestic altar will never want a sacrifice, 
nor God withhold a blessing. 

" And yet it is this very principle of excite- 
ment, as applied to the religious institutions 
of the day, which has been most strongly cen- 
sured. The system of public meetings, the 
addresses, sermons, biblical and missionary 
tours, have been the subject of severe repre- 
hension with the opponents of these societies. 
But it is this very system which has given an 
unparalleled impulse to all the public institu- 
tions. By its direct or indirect tendency, it 
has localized among us every form of charity 
that can afford an asylum to distress — ^to 
crime, the means of reformation — ^to igno- 
rance, the benefit of instruction — and to 
penitent guilt the hope of mercy and salva- 
tion. It is to the publicity of these societies, 
next to their intrinsic value and importance, 
that we are to ascribe so large a portion of 
their popularity and success. If they were 
less public they would be less known; if 
they were less known, they would be less 
supported; and if they were less supported, 
their efficiency would be proportionably im- 



LEGH RICHMOND. 59 

paired. An institution, to be popular in this 
country, inust he brought in contact with pub- 
lic opinion. The men who conduct it, must 
be seen^ heard^ knoum^ loved^ and respected; 
the subject of it must be carried home to the 
hearty and descend through alb the various 
gradations in society ; be as accessible to the 
poor as to the rich — to the unlearned^ as to 
the learned — to the humblest cottager^ as well 
€ts to the lordly mansion. It will thus secure 
the patronage and liberality of the wealthy, 
the approbation of the wise, and the bene- 
diction of the poor. These advantages have 
pre-eminently distinguished the institutions 
of which we are speaking; and so long as the 
principle of publicity characterizes almost 
every undertaking of a secular nature, why 
are religious objects alone to be debarred the 
benefit of this principle, where the applica- 
tion of strong stimulants is the- more necessa- 
ry, in proportion as the end proposed is more 
momentous, and men are less disposed to ap- 
preciate its importance?"* 

Another glorious effect of the institution 
of these societies, is the bringing of good 
men together, and showing that though there 
may be differences of sentiment, yet that all 
can agree in loving the Lord Jesus Christ, 
and in acting for his glory. And union in 
the cause of Christ has a tendency to softeu 

* Grimshawe, 



€0 LIFE OF 

even national animosities. Mr. Grinishawe 
relates the following interesting anecdote. 

" After the anniversary of the Paris Bible 
Society, in the year 1826, the writer met a 
warm and distinguished friend of the cause, 
Admiral Comnt Verhuel, who, two years be- 
fore, had attended the great annual meeting 
in London, as the representative of the 
French Bible Society, and occupied a seat 
next to Admiral Lord Gambler. On asking 
him what were his feelings on that occasion, 
he replied, 'I remember the time when 
Lord Gambler and myself could not have 
stood so near each other, without each hold- 
ing a sword in our hands. At that time we 
did not feel the want of our swords; we suf- 
fered them to remain in the scabbard; we had 
no sword, but the sword of the Spirit, an<l 
the sword of the Spirit is the word of God.** 
' Would it not,' I added, ' be a matter ot 
regret to you to be again engaged in a war 
with Great Britain?' 'I should always,' 
he answered ' regret to be at war with a 
country that is so nobly engaged in sending 
the Gospel of peace throughout the world.' 

" Anecdotes, like these, are the best refuta- 
tion of objections. A uniting principle can- 
not possibly be a bad principle; the spirit of 
love is the spirit of Christ and of true reli- 
gion, while prejudice contracts the heart, and 
fills the mind with injurious surmises. " 



LEGH KIOHMOND. 61 

CHAPTER X. 

Mr. RichmontTs Missionary Sermon, 

We stated that the method of Mr. Rich- 
mond's preaching was extempore. There are 
but three sermons which have ever been 
printed. On this account, and because of its 
own excellence and the exceeding import- 
ance of the subject, we intend in Siis chap- 
ter to give a summary of one of Mr. Rich- 
mond's printed sermons, as it is an illustra- 
tion of his sentiments on the all-important 
subject of missions, and contains also some 
interesting anecdotes. The conclusion of 
the extract is of most extraordinary force 
and beauty. 

'' His text taken from John xxi. 16. — 
' He saith unto him again, the second time, 
Simon son of Jonas, lovest thou me.^ He 
saith unto him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest 
that I love thee. He saith unto him. Feed 
my sheep.' Commenting on these words, 
he briefly describes the peculiar interest and 
solemnity of the occasion; — the question pro- 
posed: * Lovest thou me?' The answer 
given: ' Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love 
thee.' The successive repetition of the ques- 
tion, and Peter's asseveration, 'Lord, thou 
knowest all things, thou knowest that I love 
thee;' and the final command of the Saviour, 



62 LIFE OF 

obedience to which is the test of the sin- 
cerity of the profession; ' Feed my sheep.' 
The motive of love to Christ is deduced as 
the only adequate and scriptural stimulus to 
missionary exertion; and the commandment 
given, to feed his flock, declares the nature 
and object of the duty required. The appli- 
cation of the whole to ourselves is inferred 
from the commission given to Peter and the 
apostles, as the representatives of the Church 
Universal to the end of time; and from the 
fact, that general exhortations, founded upon 
Christ's general promises to his church, ad- 
mit of no limitation, either of time or place. 
He next inquires — 

Who are the sheep of Christ r 

Why ought they to be fed ? 

When? 

By whom ? 

With what food must they be fed, nourish- 
ed, and supported? 

We pass over the first three as obvious in 
their meaning. 

In answering the inquiry, — ' Who shall be 
the missionaries?' he observes, ' the shep- 
herds whom you set apart to this honourable 
labour of feeding and nourishing souls for 
Christ, must be men who love Christ for the 
salvation which he hath wrought in their 
souls; men, who ' feel in themselves the 
working of the Spirit of Christ, mortifying 



LEGH RICHMOND. 63 

the works of the flesh, and their earthly mem- 
bers, and drawing up their mind to higli and 
heavenly things. ' They must be men, not 
of warmth and zeal alone, but of solidity, pa- 
tience, and perseverance; men who, like their 
Lord, can endure the contradiction of sinners. 
For the most part, it is not so often men of 
extensive learning, of genius, and superior 
literary talents, who are wanted, as men of 
simplicity and sincerity; men of prayer and 
meditation; men who so love Christ, as to be 
willing to spend and be spent, for his sake; 
men of subdued passions and mortified minds, 
who patiently wait for the coming of our 
Lord Jesus Christ. 

In his next important consideration, — 
'wherewith they are to be fed,' the follow- 
ing remarks claim the attention of all who 
are engaged in the cause of missions. 

* Preach Christ, as a free, full, perfect, 
and all-sufficient Saviour to the greatest of 
sinners. The sheep of Christ, whether at 
home or abroad, will hear and know their 
own good Shepherd's voice, and none other. 
Proclaim, as from the house-top, 'that God 
commendeth his love towards us, in that 
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for 
us;' and thus accomplished that wonder of 
men and angels, ' that God might be just, and 
the justifier of the sinner which believeth in 
Jesus.' 



64 LIFE OF 

' Preach to them the blood of Christ; its 
atoning and cleansing power. Send over 
your missionary shepherds, to feed the flock 
of Christ among the heathen, with the whole- 
some bread and the pure water of life. We 
must not trifle in this matter. It is the cause 
of God and truth. Mingle therefore nothing 
with their food; disguise it not with any self- 
accommodating explanations. It is not the 
equivocal language of a mere fashionable pro- 
fession of the Gospel, that will convey the 
word and substance of salvation to the soul of 
either a nominal Christian, or a real Heathen. 

' Let the hemisphere of light, which is to 
burst upon the dark mountains where now 
the heathen sheep are scattered, be unsullied 
and without a cloud. Be ye pastors accord- 
ing to God's heart, and feed them with know- 
ledge and understanding. Christ living, 
Christ obeying, Christ dying, Christ risen, 
Christ ascended, and Christ interceding for 
sinners: this is the true bread of life. Our 
commission to feed his sheep runs thus: ' Go 
ye and teach all nations, baptizing them in 
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost.' Hence, the love of the 
Father, in giving sinners to Christ; the love 
of the Son, in dying for their redemption; 
and the love of the Spirit, in sanctifying and 
preparing them for glory, are the grand themes 
for christian meditation. When these in- 



LEGH RICHMOND. 65 

valuable truths are enforced in a practical 
and experimental manner, the sheep of Christ 
are truly fed, according to their good Shep- 
herd's design and commandment; and so 
shall they live and prosper. ' 

"In illustration of the foregoing remarks, he 
quotes the following testimony of Johannes, 
a converted heathen, and who also became a 
blessed witness of the truth to his own nation. 
The circumstance is recorded in the history 
of the missions of the United Brethren among 
the Indian nations of North America. 

'Brethren, I have been a heathen, and 
have grown old amongst them: therefore I 
know very well how it is with the heathen, 
and how they think. A preacher once came 
to us, desiring to instruct us; and began by 
proving to us, that there was a God. On 
which we said to him, ' Well, and dost thou 
think we are ignorant of that.^ Now go back 
again to the place from whence thou camest.' 

' Then again, another preacher came, and 
began to instruct us, saying, ' you must not 
steal, nor drink too much, nor lie, nor lead 
wicked lives.' We answered him: 'Fool 
that thou art, dost thou think that we do not 
know that.^* Go and learn it first thyself, 
and teach the people whom thou belongest to, 
not to do those things. For who are greater 
drunkards, or thieves, or liars, than thine 
own people? Thus we sent him away also.' 
r2 



66 LIFE OF 

*Some time after this, Christian Henry, 
one of the Brethren, came to me in my hut, 
and sat down by me. The contents of his 
discourse to me were nearly these : ' I come 
to thee in the name of the Lord of heaven 
and earth. He sends me to acquaint thee, 
that he would gladly save thee, and make 
thee happy, and deliver thee from the miser- 
able state in which thou liest at present. To 
this end he became a man, gave his life a ran- 
som for man, and shed his blood for man. 
All that believe in the name of this Jesus, ob- 
tain the forgiveness of sin. To all tliem that 
receive him by faith, he giveth power to be- 
come the sons of God. The Holy Spirit 
dwelleth in their hearts, and they are made 
free, through the blood of Christ, from the 
slavery and dominion of sin. And though 
thou art the chief of sinners, yet if thou 
prayest to the Father in his name, and be- 
lievest in him as a sacrifice for thy sins, thou 
shalt be heard and saved, and ne will give 
thee a crown of life, and thou shalt live with 
him in heaven for ever. ' 

' When he had finished liis discourse, he 
laid down upon a board in my hut, fatigued 
by his journey, and fell into a sound sleep. 
1 thought within myself, ' What manner of 
man is this ? There he lies and sleeps so 
sweetly — I might kill him, and tlirow him 
into the forest, and who would regard it r 



LEGH RICHMOND. 67 

But he is unconcerned — this cannot be a bad 
man 5 he fears no evil, not even from us, who 
are so savage; but sleeps comfortably, and 
places his life in our hands. ' 

* However, I could not forget his words; 
they constantly recurred to my mind; even 
though I went to sleep, yet I dreamed of the 
blood which Christ had shed for us. I thought 
^this is very strange, and quite dift'erent 
from what 1 have ever heard.' So I went 
and interpreted Christian Henry's words to 
the other Indians. 

' Thus, through the grace of God, an 
awakening took place among us. I tell you, 
therefore, brethren, ' said he, ' preach to the 
heathen, Christ, and his blood, his sufferings, 
and his death, if you would have your words 
to gain entrance among them; if you wish to 
confer a blessing upon them.'* 

*' But the passage in Mr. Richmond's, ser- 
mon which produced the strongest impres- 
sion upon his hearers, was the following: 

'I stand before you this day, as an am- 
bassador for Christ, in the cause of those 
who are ready to perish. In his and their 
name, I beseech you to hear me, while I pro- 
pose a few considerations to your attention. 

' Consider the state of the world, its em- 
pires, nations, kindred, and tribes. When 

* See History of Moravian Missions : an interest- 
ing work published by the American S. S. Union. 



68 LIFE OF 

a map of the world is presented to the eye, 
with what a variety of aftections is it viewed, 
according to the character and pursuits of the 
inspector! 

' The mere statesman diligently examines 
the magnitude, position, and boundaries of 
other countries, with a sole reference to the 
political aggrandisement of his own. Wars, 
conquests, treaties, alliances, and a multi- 
tude of considerations connected with ambi- 
tion, power, and national honour, dictate and 
accompany all his speculations on the map. 
And then he has done with it, and lays it down 

'The merchant takes up the map, and 
eagerly traverses the delineation of seas, con- 
tinents, and islands, with anxious inquiry as 
to pecuniary profit and loss, trade and mer- 
chandise. His thoughts are absorbed in con- 
sidering how much may be gained by his 
speculations to some distant island or foreign 
shore. He meditates on the track of his ves- 
sel upon the ocean, marks its course upon 
the hazardous waves, and is full of agitation 
with respect to its fate. There is his golden 
treasure, and his heart is there also. As he 
views the map, he conjectures, hopes, fears; 
and, with much solicitude, contemplates his 
future gains, or dreads impending losses. 
The map is again laid down, and he has 
done with it 

[The curious traveller takes up the map 



LEGH RICHMOND. 69 

of the world, and is occupied with the re- 
membrance or anticipation of the various 
customs, manners, dresses, languages, build- 
ings, and ceremonies; with a long list of won- 
ders and amusements that have engaged his 
attention. In such a way his imagination 
travels over the whole globe; and then this 
man's contemplations on the map are likewise 
concluded. 

' The natural philosopher investigates the 
various productions of this diversified globe 
with another object Theories of the earth's 
formation; the animal, vegetable, and mi- 
neral kingdoms, the origin of volcanoes, 
the cause of earthquakes, the variation of the 
magnetic needle, all afford him endless sub- 
jects of examination. Every continent, sea, cli- 
mate, and zone, which the map presents to his 
eye, furnishes him with matter for inquisitive 
speculation; and then, he is done with it also. 

'But, when the christian beholds the 
world's map, he has a subject of investiga- 
tion far beyond them all. What they have 
overlooked and disregarded, is every thing to 
him. His great inquiry is, ' Show me the 
visible kingdom of Christ: name the coun- 
tries where Christ is known and worshipped. 
Oh! when shall the kingdoms of this world 
become the kingdoms of our Lord and of 
his Christ? When shall the heathen fear the 
name of the Lord ?' 



70 LIFE OF 

' As his eye traverses the alobe, he sighs 
over the awful contrast which its different 
portions exhibit. His own soul loves Jesus, 
the Saviour of men. But how small a part 
of those immense tracts of country which the 
map presents to his view, so much as know 
whether there be any Christ! What nations 
immersed in heathenish idolatry! How many 
overrun with the tyrannical superstition of 
Mahomet! Yea, where even the name of 
Christ is professed, how many are sunk into 
the deep mire of Popish corruption, or virtual 
infidelity! How small a portion seem as yet 
to belong to Christ! 

' He mourns over the prospect, but does 
not lay down the map and think no more of 
it. Again and again he takes it up, prays 
for the sheep of Christ in distant lands, re- 
commends their case to God, and meditates 
plans for their deliverance. He surveys the 
vast continents of Asia and Africa, and for 
the most part it seems to be darkness visible. 
Then he looks for his native island at home, 
endeared to him by a thousand considera- 
tions, but most endeared on account of the 
Gospel light with which she is blessed. And 
shall not the rays of that light soon be dif- 
fused, as from a centre, to all the surround- 
ing world? Doth not a voice from above, in 
an especial manner, say unto Britons, ' Go 
ye into all the world.' Wherefore.^ Only for 



LEGH RICHMOXD. 7 1 

political aggrandisement — for merchandise — 
for travelling recreation — ^for collecting of 
philosophical rarities? Are these your only 
objects? No.; saith the Word, ' Go ye into 
all the world, and preach the gospel to every 
creature!' 

' From such a meditation on the map the 
christian retires, not to slumber over the 
convictions of duty^ not to say much, and 
do nothing. He freights a vessel to carry 
the pearl of great price to those, who neither 
know of its existence nor its value. The 
missionary is on board the ship. The mes- 
senger of God is crossing the seas; not, as 
formerly, to make the Ethiopians afraid, but 
to proclaim the glad tidings of salvation to 
the heathen, to preach the gospel to the poor, 
to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deli- 
verance to the captives, and rgecovering of 
sight to the blind. Whilst the christian, at 
home, who has been the instrument of send- 
ing him forth on this errand of love, anxious- 
ly waits to hear the happy news, that Dagon 
is fallen upon his face to the ground before 
the ark of the Lord; that Bel boweth down, 
and Nebo stoopeth, while the great trumpet 
Is blown; and that they which were ready to 
perish in the land of Assyria, and the out> 
casts in the 'and of Egypt, are now worship- 
ping the Lor 1 in his holy mount. 

^ ye statesmen, merchants, travellers. 



72 LIFE OF 

and philosophers, take up your maps once 
more. 

* Again consider the state of the church; 
and ii you love Christ, feed his sheep. ""'^ 

The collection made after this one sermon, 
was £333, Is. being in our money gl480.22. 



CHAPTER XL 

Mr, Richmond's Tours for Religious Charities. 

We have already noticed, that Mr. Rich 
mond was chiefly instrumental in the forma- 
tion of many of the religious societies of the 
day; and when we consider his devoted piety, 
and his zeal for the cause of Christ, we are 
not surprised to learn that he made very 
great personal sacrifices to promote the suc- 
cess of those institutions in the prosperity of 
which his heart was so deeply engaged. He 
went about the country, and in the cities, 
preaching, and making collections for the be- 
nefit of these religious institutions, and be- 
ing a very popular preacher, and by his ha- 
bit of extempore speaking enabled to make 
addresses on all occasions, he was particu- 
larly adapted to this interesting work. In- 

* Grimshawe. 



T.EGH RICHMOND. 73 

deed, by his labours in these causes, as we 
shall hereafter see, he laid tlie foundation of 
that disease which carried him to his grave. 

The first tour which he made, was in be- 
lialf of the Church Missionary Society, and 
the Society for Ameliorating the Condition 
of the Jews. He sat out from Turvey, his 
place of residence, on the 8th day of August 
1814, and did not return until the 11th of the 
October following, during the whole of which 
time, he was most actively engaged in the 
duty which had devolved upon him. The 
diary of Mr. Richmond during this period 
bears ample testimony to his zeal in the 

f;reat cause, though it would swell our vo- 
ume too much to make extracts; neither is 
it necessary, as they contain principally those 
matters which are of a local nature, and not 
calculated to excite any special interest 
among us. The closing remark of his diary, 
however, in relation to this tour of sacred be- 
nevolence is well worthy of special quotation. 
'^Oct 11. We left Mr. Jones'. Dined at 
Northampton, and arrived safe at Turvey, at 
half-past seven o'clock — finding the dear chil- 
dren well. What shall I render to the Lord, 
for all his benefits unto me.^ 

" Thus ends a journey marked by mani- 
fold mercies, pleasures, useful labors, and 
gratifying events. Many valuable friend- 
ships formed; — religious and personal in- 



74 LIFE OF 

fluence extended; — the cause both of Jews 
and heathen furthered ; — knowledge gained, 
love increased, and Christian esteem estab- 
lished and cemented. — Gloria Deo in excel- 
sisr* 

On the 15th of August, in the next year, 
(1815,) he commenced another tour for the 
same sacred purposes, which was also con- 
tinued till the October following. 

During the whole of his labours, Mr. Rich- 
mond received no compensation. It was 
purely a work and labour of love; and 
though, let him be engaged in what good 
cause he may, ''the labourer is worthy of 
his hire," it yet serves to elevate the charac- 
ter of Mr. Richmond, that his services were 
entirely gratuitous. An extract from a let- 
ter on this subject, shows the state of his 
mind. 

" This subject reminds me of an observa- 
tion which you made when I lately saw you, 
and to which I for a moment beg to draw 
your attention. You said that some person 
had told either you or Mrs. M. that I receiv- 
ed some pecuniary compensation for my ser- 
vices in behalf of the religious institutions 
for which 1 am in the habit of pleading. I 
must request that justice may be done to me, 
and to the cause which I espouse. The re- 

* Grimshawe. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 75 

fort is false, in every possible point of view, 
never did, nor ever would, accept of a sin- 
gle farthing, from a single individual. The 
whole has ever been completely gratuitous, 
and disinterested. Many valuable clergy- 
men are pursuing the same path of usefulness 
in their occasional excursions from home: 
but they act as volunteers; we seek no re- 
ward in this world, but that of seeing good 
done, and mankind benefited. Let this in- 
jurious report be repelled; let not prejudice 
and mistake operate to the disadvantage of 
truth and charity. I can say, for one, that 
if ever the least departure were to take place 
from the disinterested plan of serving the so- 
cieties gratuitously, I would instantly aban- 
don the ranks of their public defenders and 
advocates. My services arise from con- 
scientious principle, and are neither directly 
nor obliquely connected with pecuniary ad- 
vantage; but quite the reverse, if all were 
known. Some people seem to doubt the pos- 
sibility of disinterested activity. Alas! they 
know not the motives which Christianity in- 
spires. Christ said for himself, and all true 
christians, ' My kingdom is not of this world. ' 
May we all fully know what that important 
text means." 



76 LIFE OF 



CHAPTER XII. 

Anxiety of Mr. Richinondfor the Spiritual welfare of 
his Family. 

There is no more absorbing interest than 
that which centres in the prosperity of the 
cause of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have al- 
ready seen that the whole soul of Mr. Rich- 
mond was engaged in those plans of sacred 
benevolence which had the glory of God for 
their object. Amidst all his labours and jour- 
neyings, however, he was never forgetful of 
those of his own household; and it is delightful 
to mark the tenderness, and yet the exceeding 
gospel fidelity, which is to be found in the let- 
ters addressed particularly to his children. He 
seemed desirous of pleasing, and, at the same 
time, instructing in those things which con- 
cerned their immortal interests. The fol- 
lowing extracts from letters written during 
his tour, will exemplify these remarks. 

October, 1815. 
"My dear Child, — This may probably 
reach you on your birthday. It is a day 
which should remind you of the importance 
of time, and the swift approach of eternity. 
It bids you remember your Creator in the 
days of your youth. But have you ever 
done so aright? Have you seen yourself a 



LEGH RICHMOND. 77 

sinner, and gone to tlie blood of Christ for 
pardon r Forms and notions never yet saved 
a soul; and have you, indeed, ever gone fur- 
ther than forms and notions ? My child, be 
in earnest; it is no trifle whether you have 
real grace or not: it is every thing to ascer- 
tain this point, and to act upon it. Do you 
feel a burden of sin for daily offences ? — do 
you repent ? — do you pray from the heart P 
Suppose God were to see good to bring you 
to a bed of death, where are your evidences 
that you are really his child ? Tliink in how 
many ways you have offended him in thought, 
word, and deed ! What but a Saviour's 
blood can wipe it away? 

'' It is full time, my dear F , that you 

show a decision of character, in that humble 
yet determined separation of life, which dis- 
tinguishes a common (alas! too common,) 
nominally Christian child, from a child that 
believes in Christ, loves God, and is taught 
by the Holy Spirit. 

" Secret, free prayer, is a great testimony 
that a work of grace is begun. But do you 
thus pray ? Have you found out the sins into 
which you are the most liable to fall, and 
most easily tempted to commit ? These are 
your bosom foes, and must be resisted in a 
different strength from any which you natu- 
rally possess. That strength is only to be 
obtained in Christ, and by believing in him 
G 2 



78 LIFE OF 

and him alone. Grace, free grace, reigns in 
every step of the christian progress. Do you 
ever feel these things as a matter of uneasi- 
ness, or desire, or hope, or fear? It will not 
satisfy me, and I hope it will not satisfy you, 
that you have had so many advantages of a 
christian education, unless you prove to your- 
self and me, that there is a work of the Spirit 
in your heart. What a delightful display 
the Lord gave us of his goodness and power, 
when that dear and beloved woman, your 
mother and my wife (it is my highest earthly 
privilege to call her so,) lay, as we thought, 
on the bed of death ! You cannot have for- 
gotten it — no one that saw it ever could. 
But that day was a warning and a consola- 
tion for W5;— oh! may we use it as both. 
But do not deceive yourself — mere natural 
feelings and meltings of heart are not enough. 
Sin, sin is the great cause of sorrow; and 
therefore must you weep. Carry sin to Jesus, 
he will hide it for ever from his Father's sight. 
Angels rejoice when children weep for sin. 

" Read ' Little Jane:' two Sunday scholars 
at Manchester have been converted to God 
this summer, by reading it — and must my own 
dear child heed it not? I trust not. Pray, dear 

F , for faith and love to Jesus. Happy 

shall I be to hear from yourself (when it 
does indeed come from your heart,) either by 
letter or word of mouth, that you feel a true 



LEGH RICHMOND. i \3 

concern for your never-dying soul. And so 
may God give you many happy years, if it so 
please him. If not, may he take your par- 
doned soul to himself, in his own time. — 
Love to my dear H., 

*' From her and your truly aifectionate father. 

*^ Tell H., that I write every word of this 
for her, as well as for you.'' 

Keswick, Oct 16, 1815. 
" My dear Daughter, — The exquisite beau- 
ty and sublimity of this country almost makes 
a pen move of itself. Never did I pass so 
beautiful a day as this at the lakes. I shall 
sing the praises of October, as the loveliest 
of months. This morning, at six o'clock, I 
was walking on the banks of Winandermere, 
to catch a sun -rise. I had every thing I 
could wish, and observed the progress of day 
with delight. The mysterious rolling of 
clouds across the hills announced the first in- 
fluence of the sun. Tints the most beauteous 
skirted the eastern clouds; those on the west 
caught them as by sympathy. Various patches 
of mountains soon gleamed with the re- 
flection of the yet unseen luminary; and such 
innumerable vicissitudes of light and shade 
filled the scene, as no tongue can utter. The 
lake, in all its length of thirteen miles, lay 
beneath me, with its thirty islands. I heard 
the early lowing of the cows, the bleating of 



80 LIFE OF 

the sheep, the neighing of the horses, the twit- 
tering of the birds, the rustling of the breeze, 
the rippling of the water, and dashing of the 
oar, in a gentle kind of harmony. The sun 
advanced, and threw a blaze of magnifi- 
cent lustre over this Paradisaical landscape. 
I soon crossed over the lake, and passed 
through rich scenes of wonder and loveliness. 
I saw Coniston and Grassmere lakes, under 
circumstances of peculiar advantage. Clus- 
ters of mountains and lesser hills, clothed 
with crags, brown fern, red lichens, green 
grass, purple heath, bushes, barren guUeys, 
cascades, wild streaks, rolling mists, bright 
sunshine, &c. presented incessant variety. 
Hill towered above hill, — Alpine peaks rear- 
ed their heads, — groves filled the valleys, 
and cottages were sprinkled in wild profusion. 
" This morning, as I stood on an eminence, 
looking down on the exquisitely lovely lake 
of Grassmere, environed by its amphitheatre 
of mountains, a momentary shower produced 
a rainbow; — it extended from hill to hill, 
over the valley, and seemed like a bridge for 
angels to pass over from one district of Para- 
dise to another : 

' And as they pass, let angels sing, 

The wonders of creation's King ; 

And while they tune their harps to praise, 

I'd gladly catch their solemn lays ; 

Unite with their's my feeble tongue, 

And give to gratitude my song.' 



LEGH RICHMOND. 81 

'• My dear M , I leave you, in much 

love, a few fatherly hints. 

1. Be constant in private prayer. 

2. Be wise in the choice of books; shun 
every thing of the romance and novel kind; 
and even in poetry, keep to what is useful 
and instructive, as well as pleasant. 

3. In company, show that the principles 
of your father's house and ministry are your 
rule of conduct, and your real delight. Be 
consistent— cheerful, but not light; conversi- 
ble, but not trifling. 

4. Keep ever in view, that you are supporting 
my character and credit, as well as your own. 

5. Show a marked preference to such con- 
versation, remarks, persons, discussions, and 
occupations as may tend to essential good. 

6. Always think before you speak; say 
and do neither hastily nor unadvisedly. 

7. If any proposal is ever made to you, in 
which you hesitate how to act, first say to 
yourself — how would God have me to act ? 
Secondly — what would my parents have me 
to do, if they were here to advise me.^ 

8. Never lose sight of this: that the more 

gublic my name, character, and ministry is 
ecome, the more eyes and ears are turned 
to my children's conduct; they are expect- 
ed, in knowledge and circumspection, in re- 
ligion and morals, in opinions and habits, 
to show where they have been educated; and 



82 LIFE OF 

to adorn, not only their christian profession, 
but their parents' principles. 

9. In music, prefer serious to light com- 
positions; and in vocal, keep close to sacred 
words. 

10. Pray much for — Your affectionate Fa- 
ther, Legh Richmond. 

" P. S. I send you the following applica- 
tion of a sermon, from ^jt> A. v. 15, 16: — 

On circumspection of walk; redemption of 
time; and general transparency of character. 

1. Adhere most scrupulously to truth; and 
labour to preserve the strictest integrity, sim- 
plicity, and sincerity. 

2. Engage in no pursuit in which you can- 
not look up unto God, and say, ' Bless me in 
this, my Father!' 

3. Strive to be as kind, forbearing, and 
forgiving as you can, both to friends and foes. 

4. Never speak evil of any one, on any 
pretence whatever. 

5. Strive to recommend religion by the 
courtesy, civility, and condescending charac- 
ter of your conduct. 

6. Watch against irritation, positiveness, 
unkind speaking, and anger: study and pro- 
mote love. 

7. Mortify lusts, sensuality, and sloth. 

8. Never allow others to speak well of you; 



LEGH RICHMOND. 83 

nor especially yourself, to say or think any 
thing of yourself, but as poorly done. Keep 
down pride; let it not be indulged for a mo- 
ment, and watch against it. 

9. Shut out evil imaginations, and angry 
thoughts. 

10. Let it be your sole business here to pre- 
pare for eternity. Consider every moment 
of time in that view. 

11. Remember that you have to contend 
with a legion of devils — ^a heart full of de- 
ceit and iniquity, and a world at enmity 
with God. 

12. Pray you may ever rejoice in the ad- 
vancement of Christ's kingdom, antl the sal- 
vation of sinners; and labour in every way to 
promote these objects. 

Prayer is the only weapon which can sub- 
due your corruptions, and keep your evi- 
dences bright. Cultivate prayer."" 



84 LIFE OF 



CHAPTER XIII. 

•Vr. Richmond's Letter to his Daughters on a variety 
of subjects for the practical government of their lives. 

The following letter is on such a variety 
of important topics, is so clearly and beauti- 
fully expressed — is in such decided harmony 
with the whole tenor of scripture, — that it is 
worthy of the most attentive and frequent 
perusal by all who are professors of religion, 
and especially by the young. It is worthy 
of being written out by every young female, 
in order to be more deeply imprinted on the 
memory, and should be read at least once a 
week. Some parts are omitted which are of 
a less general nature, and which relate more 
particularly to himself. 

''To my Daughters. — With a heart full 
of affection, I sit down to express a few sen- 
timents and intimations of my wishes, as con- 
nected with your conduct, in the course of 
any journey or absence trom home. I wish 
each of you to preserve a copy of it, my dear 
children, and often look at it; take it with 
you when from home, and keep it safe when 
at home. 

*' Many temptations will occur, to induce 
you to yield and conform to habits and prin- 
ciples, the very reverse of those which you 
hear me supporting, both in the pulpit and 



LEGH RICHMOND. 85 

the parlour. Be not ashamed of firmly, 
though modestly, in such cases, resisting 
them. State what mine and your principles 
are, and heed not the momentary unpleasant- 
ness of appearing singular, when conscience 
and duty require it. You may easily say, 
' My father does not approve of such and 
such things, neither can I. ' No person whose 
estimation is worth having will think the 
worse of you, for such instances of mild but 
decisive firmness; and without it, I should be 
disgraced. 

''All descriptions of public amusements, 
novels, popular amorous poems, plays, songs, 
vanities, and finery, and all the sad tribe of 
poisonous and dangerous pursuits, should be 
regulated by this principle; and oh! that 
your own simplicity and love to Christ, may 
never give way to one sad influence of false 
sentiment, even amongst those whom, on 
other accounts, we may esteem and regard. 
The half-religious are often more dangerous 
than those who are less so; because we are 
more on our guard in the latter case than the 
former. The great number of instances in 
which I have seen the young people of reli- 
gious families deeply injured in their spirits 
and habits, by much visiting with persons of 
different views and customs from those of 
their own household, has made me, I con- 
fess, from pure motives of conscience and 

H 



86 LIFE OF 

prudence, very averse to much of that sort 
of visiting in my own children's case, which 
1 know to have been productive of bad con- 
sequences in others. And the difficulty of 
drawing the line has always appeared very 
great with my numerous friends and acquaint- 
ances. Still I wish to make you happy in 
every reasonable way; and am glad when I 
can give you the advantage of new scenes and 
company, when it is of the right kind. But 
as in my journeys extensive intercourse takes 
place, a great variety of characters will fall 
in your way; and I wish for all your sakes 
that you may be provided with sober, dis- 
creet, and religious cautions, that the na- 
tural ardour of youth may not lead you into 
unbecoming or sinful compliances. I know 
many families, and you know a few, where, 
perhaps, the parents are religious, but their 
young people are very imperfectly, if at all 
so; in such cases you may, from equality of 
age, be thrown much more into the light, 
frivolous, and objectionable conversation of 
the younger, instead of the more useful com- 
munications of the elders of the family. Here 
often, there is danger; ever prefer and 
choose those, of whatever age, in whom you 
think you discover a holy, serious, benevo- 
lent, consistent way of actin^^and speaking. 
" A young professor of religion has not, in 
most instances, so difficult a task to sustain. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 87 

when in conversation with those of a decided- 
ly religious deportment, as with worldly per- 
sons, and those who can scarcely be ranked 
as consistently serious, although often to be 
met with in religious parties. If, however, 
your conscience be correct, you will see more 
and more the duty of acting and speaking 
aright, and you must ever pray for grace to 
direct and govern you. Difficulties and dan- 
gers of this kind greatly multiply when those 
who, from relationship and family regard, 
stand very near to natural love and affection, 
are nevertheless, in great measure, strangers 
to the power of true religion, and therefore 
mingle with the world wholly, pursue its 
pleasures, and support its customs. I en- 
treat you to be much on your guard in all 
such cases. Decays in religious feeling and 
conduct continually arise from this source, 
and endanger the temporal, spiritual, and 
eternal welfare of many a hopeful family. 

" I will now add some remarks, placed 
under select heads, which may make them 
more conspicuous, and better remembered: 
and may God render them useful to you! 
Keep them constantly with you, and let them 
be always read over, at least once a week. 

AMUSEMENTS. 

** Plays, balls, public concerts, cards, pri- 
vate dances, &c. &c. 



88 LIFE OF 

" Serious, consistent christians, must re-^l 
sist these things, because the dangerous spirit ^| 
of the world and the flesh, is in them all: 
they are 'the pomps and vanities of this 
wicked world,' so solemnly renounced at 
baptism. To be conformed to these seduc- 
tive and more than frivolous scenes, is to be 
conformed to this world, or to be opposed to 
the character and precepts of Christ. They 
that see no harm in these things are spiritual- 
ly blind; and they who will not hear admoni- 
tion against them are spiritually deaf. Shun, 
my girls, the pleasures of sin, and seek those 
which are at God's right hand for evermore. 
You cannot love both. 

" Blessed be God, you have been kept far 
from those, who make such recreations their 
idols to wean their hearts from God. Never 
in any conversation speak lightly or triflingly 
of these subjects, as if you had not imbibed 
proper sentiments concerning them. Ever 
preserve the consistency of your parental 
house and principles. 

BOOKS. 

" Characters are speedily discerned by 
their choice of books. — Novels in prose I 
need not now forbid; ignorant as you are of 
their bad tendency by experience, you, I am 
persuaded, trust me on that head, and will 
never sacrifice time, affection, or attention to 



LEGH RICHMOND. 89 

them. But beware of novels in verse. Poets 
are more dangerous than prose writers, when 
their principles are bad. Were Byron no 
better poet than he is a man, he might have 
done little harm; but when a bad man is a 

food poet, and makes his good poetry the ve- 
icle of his bad sentiments, he does mischief 
by wholesale. Do not be ashamed of having 
never read tlie fashionable poems of the day. 
A christian has no time, and should have no 
inclination for any reading that has no real 
tendency to improve the heart. The finest 
rule I ever met with in regard to the choice 
of books is this: — ' Books are good or bad in 
their effects, as they make us relish the word 
of God, the more or the less^ after we have read 
them.' There are too many valuable books 
on a variety of subjects, which ought to be 
read, to allow of time to be dedicated to un- 
worthy and useless ones. 

MUSIC. 

Shun all the wretched folly and corrup- 
tion of light, silly, and amorous songs, on the 
same principle that you would shun books of 
the same nature. Sacred music is the true 
refuge of the christian musician. I wish your 
ears, your hearts, and your tongues were 
oftener tuned to such melodies. The play- 
house, the opera, and the concert-room have 
deluged the world with the abuses of the hea- 
H 2 



90 LIFE OF 

venly art of music. Music was designed to 
lead the soul to heaven, but the corruption of 
man has greatly perverted the merciful inten- 
tion. Do not you belong to such perverters, 
nor seem to take pleasure in those who do. 

DRESS. 

^' Aim at great neatness and simplicity. 
Shun finery and show. 

'*Be not in haste to follow new fashions. 

"Remember, that with regard to dress, 
christians ought to be decidedly plainer, and 
less showy than the people of the world. 

BEHAVIOUR IN COMPANY. 

^' Be cheerful, but not gigglers. 

" Be serious, but not dull. 

*^Be communicative, but not forward. 

«•' Be kind, but not servile. 

'' Beware of silly, thoughtless speeches: 
although you may forget them, others will 
not. 

*' Remember God's eye is in every place, 
and his ear in every company. 

'^ Beware of levity and familiarity with 
young men; a modest reserve, without affec- 
tation, is the only safe path — ^grace is need- 
ful here; ask for it; you know where. 

JOURNEYINGS. 

« Cultivate knowledge as you travel:— 



LEGH RICHMOND. 91 

'' History, antiquities, — in cities, towns, 
churches, castles, ruins, &c. 

' ' Natural history, — in plants, earths, stones, 
minerals, animals, &c. 

'^ Picturesque taste, — in landscape scenery, 
and all its boundless combinations. 

" Cultivate good-humoured contentment, in 
all the little inconveniences incident to inns, 
roads, weather, &c. 

" Cultivate a deep and grateful sense of the 
power, wisdom, and goodness of God, in 
creation and providence, as successively pre- 
sented to your notice from place to place. 

"Keep diaries and memoranda of daily 
events, places, persons, objects, conversa- 
tions, sermons, public meetings, beauties, 
wonders, and mercies, as you travel. Be 
minute and faithful. 

" Ask many questions of such as can afford 
useful information as to what you see. 

^' Write your diary daily; — delays are very 
prejudicial. You owe a diary to yourself, to 
your friends left at home, and to your father, 
who gives you the pleasure and profit of the 
journey. 

PRAYER. 

" Strive to preserve a praying mind through 
the day; not only at the usual and stated 
periods, but every where, and at all times, 



92 LIFF. OF 

and in all companies. This is your preserva- 
tive against error, weakness, and sin. 

'' Always think yourselves in the midst of 
temptations; and never more so, than when 
most pleased with outward objects and in- 
tercourse. 

" Pray and watch; for if the spirit be will 
ing, yet the flesh is deplorably weak. 

RELIGION. 

'* Keep ever in mind that you have a reli 
gious profession to sustain; and this both in 
serious and worldly company. Be firm and 
consistent in them both. Many eyes and 
ears are open to observe what my children 
say and do, and will be, wherever we go. 
Pray to be preserved from errors, follies, and 
offences, which bring an evil name upon the 
ways of God. You may sometimes hear ri- 
dicule, prejudice, and censure assail the 
friends of true religion — it ever was, and 
will be so: ^but blessed are they who are 
persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs 
is the kingdom of heaven. ' Be not ashamed 
of Christ here, and he will not be ashamed of 
you hereafter. 

" Court and encourage serious conversa- 
tion with those who are truly serious and 
conversible; and do not go into valuable 
company without endeavouring to improve 



LEGH RICHMOND. US 

by the intercourse permitted to you. No- 
thing is more unbecoming, when one part of 
a company is engaged in profitable and inter- 
esting conversation, than that another part 
should be trifling, giggling, and talking com- 
parative nonsense to each other. 

" Ever show the interest which you take in 
the subjects of schools for the poor, the dis- 
tribution of tracts, the Bible and Missionary 
Societies, and all those important topics 
which so deeply occupy the people of God: 
and when you can find a congenial friend, 
talk of heaven and eternity, and your soul 
and your Saviour. This will be as a shield 
to your head and your heart 

ESTIMATE OF CHARACTERS. 

'' Look first for grace. Do not disesteem 
good people on account of their foibles, or 
deficiencies in matters of little importance. 
Gold unpolished is far more valuable than 
the brightest brass. Never form unfavoura- 
ble opinions of religious people hastily, — 
' Charity hopeth all things. ' Prize those 
families where you find constant family 
prayer; and suspect evil and danger, where 
it is avowedly unknown and unpractised. 
Always remember the astonishing difference 
between the true followers of Jesus, and the 
yet unconverted world, and prize them ac- 
cordingly, whatever be their rank in society. 



94 LIFE OF 

" Gentility and piety form a nappy union; 
but poverty and piety are quite as acceptable 
in the eyes of God, — and so they ought to 
be in ours. Not only are the poor far m9re 
in actual number than the rich, but expe- 
rience proves that the proportionate number 
of the truly serious amongst the poor is 
much greater than the corresponding propor- 
tion ot numbers amongst the rich. Take 
1000 poor and 100 rich; you will probably 
find 10 of the latter serious; but 200 of the 
former shall be so at the same time. 

" Beware of critical hearing of sermons 
preached by good men. It is an awful thing 
to be occupied in balancing the merits of a 
preacher, instead of the demerits of yourself. 
Consider every opportunity of hearing as a 
message sent you from heaven. For all the 
sermons you have heard, you will have to ren- 
der an account at the last day. 

PARENTS. 

'' Seek to make them happy in you. 

'' If you perceive that any thing in your 
ways make them otherwise, you ought to 
have no peace until you have corrected it; 
and if you find yourself indifferent or insen- 
sible to their will and wishes, depend upon 
it yours is a carnal, disobedient, ungrateful 
heart. If you love them, keep tlieir com- 



LEGH RICHMOND. 95 

mandments; otherwise love is a mere word 
in the mouth, or a notion in the fancy, but 
not a ruling principle in the heart. They 
know much of the world, you very little: 
trust them, therefore, when they differ from 
you and refuse compliance with your de- 
sires, — they watch over you for God, and 
are entitled to great deference and cheerful 
obedience. You may easily shorten the lives 
of affectionate and conscientious parents, by 
misconduct, bad tempers, and alienation from 
their injunctions. Let not this sin be laid to 
your charge. 

" I shall add no more at present, than that 
I am — Your affectionate father, 

Legh Richmond." 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Mr, Richmond's Religious Publications, 

To the eye of Christian observation, it is 
delightful to mark how, by the employment 
of means in their nature apparently the most 
inadequate, God sees fit to bring about the 
most glorious results. During his residence 
in his humble parish in the Isle of Wight, 
some circumstances occurred in the minis- 
try of Mr. Richmond, which, by being placed 



9G LIFE OF 

before the public througli the medium of the 
press, have been productive of results of 
which he could have had no conception. 
These circumstances were communicated to 
the '* Christian Guardian," ^i monthly maga- 
zine, and will be found at large in that work 
for the years 1809, 1810, and 1811. Even 
in that form, where their circulation was ne- 
cessarily restricted, they attracted a great 
deal of the public attention; and Mr. Rich- 
mond was finally induced to publish them in 
the form of tracts. In the year 1814, they 
were published in one little volume, under 
the appropriate title of " Annals of the Poor," 
the idea having been derived from the last 
line of a beautiful motto selected for his 
work, from the poet Gray's poem of the Coun- 
try Church-Yard. 

•- Let not ambition mock their useful toil, 

Their homely joys and destiny obscure, 
Nor grandeur hear, with a disdainful smile, 
The short and simple annals of the poor.' 

These tracts were, " The Dairyman's 
Daughter;" " The Negro Servant;" and 
''The Young Cottager, or Little Jane;" 
more familiarly known in this country as 
'^ Little Jane." 

These tracts are all remarkable for their 
beauty, their clear discrimination of charac- 
ter, and their deep-toned piety. But it is 
'' The Dairyman's Daughter," which has been 



LEGH RICHMOND. 97 

most instrumental in establishing the fame of 
its author throughout the civilized world; 
and which has been employed in the Provi- 
dence of God in very numerous conversions. 
This tract is so familiar to all the readers of 
this little book, that any description of it is 
rendered unnecessaiy. We shall only de- 
tail some circumstances connected with its 
history and usefulness, which may not be so 
generally known. 

It will readily be allowed, by considering 
some facts soon to be mentioned, that had he 
been so disposed, Mr. Richmond might have 
made a great deal of money by the publica- 
tion of the "Dairyman's Daughter," on his 
own account. But from a most benevolent 
desire of doing the most extensive good, he 
presented it to the " London Religious Tract 
Society. " By this society it was immediately 
translated into the French and Italian lan- 
guages; and at a meeting of the committee 
of that society, in 1811, it was moved that 
it should be translated into the German, 
Swedish and Danish languages — which mo- 
tion was amended so as to embrace its transla- 
tion into all the European languages^ and 
carried unanimously. In England there have 
been several editions published of 20,000 co- 
pies each, and in our country the number is 
beyond our knowledge. Our own institution, 
^^ The American Sunday School Union," has 



98 LIFE OF 

stereotyped it, from the London edition, and 
has already published seven thousand copies. 

So extensive has been the circulation of the 
" Dairyman's Daughter,'' that it has found its 
way into the palaces oT kings, and into the 
huts of the savages — ^for a copy was present- 
ed to the late emperor of Russia, Alexander; 
and a traveller asserts, that he saw a copy in 
the hut of an Indian of our country. Two 
millions of copies are supposed to have been 
circulated in the English language alone, and 
in the nineteen languages in which it has 
been published, there cannot have been less 
than tour millions of copies. Such a state of 
facts would seem to infer, that the ^* Dairy- 
man's Daughter" had been blessed to the 
conversion of many souls. How far it has 
been so in our own country, we have no 
means of stating, only that it is known to 
have been largely blessed. Mr. Grimshawe, 
in his life of Mr. Richmond, observes, that 
" Its author was informed of thirty instances 
in which it was acknowledged to have been 
instrumental to the conversion of its readers, 
of whom one was a female convict at Botany 
Bay. The last instance of its usefulness was 
communicated to him only within twenty-four 
hours of his decease; and from its peculiarity 
deserves to be mentioned. 

'* A clergyman, who had conceived a vio- 
lent antipathy against the Religious Tract 



LEGH RICHMOND. 99 

Society and all its publications, was induced 
to select ' The Dairj^man's Daughter,' for 
the purpose of criticising and exposing its de- 
fects. In the perusal of it he was, however, 
so arrested by the interest of the story, and 
so penetrated by the power of the religious 
truths it contained, that the pen of criticism 
dropped from his hand, prejudice was charm- 
ed into admiration, and ne was added, as an- 
other trophy of that grace which had shone so 
brightly in the life and death of the dairy- 
man's daughter." 

It may be well to spend a few moments in 
considering what it is, that has rendered the 
" Dairyman's Daughter" so popular. Its 
popularity, no doubt, is to be traced, under 
God, to the "happy union of interest and 
simplicity in the story — the graces of its 
style — the beautiful imagery of its descrip- 
tions" — ^its pathos — its purity of gospel state- 
ment — its clear exhibition of experimental 
religion — and, add to this, as a remarkable 
circumstance, the truth of the whole story. 
Mr. Grimshawe sets this matter in a very 
clear and interesting light. 

'^ A suspicion has been expressed by some, 
as to the entire genuineness of the tract of 
the ' Dairyman's Daughter,' arising from an 
idea that the language and sentiments of her 
letters were far beyond the capacity of per- 
sons in that situation of life. The writer of 



IQO LIFE OF 

this memoir once entertained the same doubt^ 
and as it tended greatly to diminish the in- 
terest and profit which he would otherwise 
have found in the perusal of the tract, he, 
some years ago, ventured to express his feel- 
ings to Mr. Richmond, who, in consequence, 
produced some of her letters, which were 
carefully examined; and the result was, that 
no alteration was found to have been made, 
except the correction of the spelling, and the 
occasional change of a single word, for one 
which better expressed her meaning. 

" In further confirmation of the genuine 
character of these interesting narratives, we 
lay before the reader a letter addressed to 
the Rev. Mr. Fry, by a highly respectable 
gentleman, who was connected for many 
years with Mr. Richmond as a friend and pa- 
rishioner. 

" Turvey Abbey, Feb, 21, 1828. 

' My dear Sir, — The conversation we had 
together the other day, respecting the inter- 
esting tract called ' The Dairyman's Daugh- 
ter,' induced me to request a sight of the 
original letters. 

' I own that I could not dismiss from my 
mind, when 1 formerly read the tract, that 
our friend had improved the young woman's 
letters according to his own amiable and pious 
feelings; and it was not without pleasure and 



LEGH RICHMOND. 101 

surprise I found, on the perusal of the crimi- 
nals, that they were in every respect as he 
had given them; with the exception of the 
bad spelling, ^nd the unnecessary use of capi- 
tal letters, which he had corrected, and a word 
which was here and there added or omitted, 
to make the young woman's meaning more 

tlain and intelligible. This latter alteration, 
owever, was of rare occurrence, and such as 
was not only allowable, but necessary. 

' I think it would be advisable to advert 
to this circumstance in Mr. Richmond's 
Memoir, as it is possible that others may 
labour under the same mistake with my- 
self. — I am, my dear Sir, yours very sin- 
cerely, John Higgins.' 

" As to the facts of the story, the writer is 
able to offer a very satisfactory proof of their 
correctness. The Rev. Mr. Hughes, one of 
the estimable secretaries of the British and 
Foreign Bible Society, in company with an- 
other friend, visited the spot where this in- 
teresting young woman formerly resided, and 
interrogated the brother (who had read the 
tract,) whether the circumstances of the story 
were precisely the same as they are there re- 
lated? To this he replied, there was only 
one fact that was misrepresented. Being ask- 
ed, with some degree of anxiety, what that 
fact was, he observed, that Mr. Richmond 

i2 



102 LIFE OF 

had described a vine trained near the side of 
the window^ whereas it was not a vine^ but 
an apple-tree. If historic truth had never been 
more seriously violated than in this instance, 
the credibility of facts w^ould seldom have 
been impeached."* 

We cannot close these remarks in rela- 
tion to the ^'Dairyman's Daughter," without 
adverting to the subject of mutilated editions. 
Much has been said against various societies 
for omitting some parts and altering a few 
others of this very interesting narrative. The 
most of the omissions and alterations which 
have been made, have been for the purpose 
merely of reducing its size, and thus publish- 
ing it at a cheaper rate. We do not believe 
that there have been any alterations made 
with an intention to change or modify the 
sentiments of its author. The edition, how- 
ever, which has been published by the 
" American Sunday School Union," is an 
exact copy of the original; and as it is the 
only such copy published in this country, is, 
no doubt, the one referred to by Mr. Grim- 
shawe in a note in which he speaks of having 
seen a copy published in Philadelphia in 
1827; which ''is in every respect conforma- 
ble to the original. " 

We have mentioned that Mr. Richmond 
gave the " Dairyman's Daughter" to the 

* Grimshawe. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 103 

^' Religious Tract Society. - ' This society, 
like the "Bible Society," the *' American 
Sunday School Union," and similar general 
institutions, was composed of persons belong- 
ing to different religious denominations, who 
mutually agreed, in the great cause of Christ, 
to concede what was peculiar to their own 
denomination, and on gospel ground to walk 
hand in hand for the general good. Publica- 
tions such as Mr. Richmond's, could not fail 
to attract the attention of such a society as 

' *'The Religious Tract Society," "and his 
well-known liberality, together with the high 
estimation in which his character was held, 
induced the committee of that society to 
make proposals to him, of becoming one of 
their secretaries. At that time the institu- 
tion had no church-representative, though the 
committee was composed of persons of all 
denominations. The secretaries were the 
Rev. Joseph Hughes, and the Rev. Dr. Stein - 
kopff, well known from their connexion with 
the British and Foreign Bible Society. By 
the accession of Mr. Richmond, it was justly 

.expected that the society would derive in- 
creased wisdom in its counsels, and vigour 
and unity in its operations. The editor well 
remembers the circumstances of this applica- 
tion, and the reasons which induced Mr. 
Richmond to accept the office of joint secre- 
tary. It was a proposition which required 



104 LIFE OF 

serious deliberation. On tlie one hand, Mr. 
Richmond considered that a strong preju- 
dice was known to exist against the society, 
not only amongst the enemies of true piety, 
but also amongst some of its friends. It was 
supposed to consist almost exclusively of Dis- 
senters,* and its tracts were regarded with 
jealousy and suspicion. To accept this offer, 
he feared, might identify him with dissent 
rthou^h he was ever warmly attached to the 
aoctrines and discipline of his own church,) 
and might endanger his usefulness in the le- . 
gitimate field of his labours. On the other 
hand, he recognised in the institution many 
claims to his regard. Its object was the same 
which lay near to his own heart, — the circu- 
lation of tracts, and the revival of the doc- 
trines of the Reformation. He saw in the 
connexion, an opportunity of extending his 
usefulness; and certain pledges and secu- 
rities seemed alone to be wanting, to al- 
low of the co-operation of a conscientious 
churchman. He thought that under the sanc- 

* The term " Dissenter" means one who does not 
belong to the Church of England as established by 
law. In England and Scotland, where this matter is 
fully understood, the term has no oifensive meaning. 
In this blessed country of ours where no particular 
form of church government is established by law^ 
there is of course no Dissenters, All denominations 
stand on the same ground of civil right. 



LEGH RICHMOND. • 105 

tion of a sufticient guarantee again-it tlie in- 
troduction of peculiarities, there was no just 
reason for his refusal of the oflice proposed to 
him; and that by his acceptance oi the secre- 
taryship, he might even^romote the interests 
of his own church, by preventing the circula- 
tion of tracts liostile to her opinions, as well 
as advance the common cause of true reli- 

fion. The required guarantee was given: 
ir. Richmond yielded to the wishes of the 
Tract Society; and from that period to the 
*day of his death, he had no reason to com- 
plain that the engagement was violated in a 
single instance."* 

Upon these general grounds, there never 
can be any difficulty in the union of those 
who agree on the great leading principles of 
our common Christianity. This is a matter 
which is far beyond speculation. It has the 
delightful testimony of experience. On this 
ground the British and Foreign Bible Society 
has been conducted with unexampled success 
these twenty-five years. The American Bi- 
ble Society for thirteen years. The Ameri- 
can Tract Society for four years; and the 
"American Sunday School Union," which 
publishes this book, is in the sixth year of its 
existence, and its operations have been con- 
ducted thus far with perfect harmony. 

* Grimshawe. 



l66 



LIFE OF 



In its Board of Managers are found mem- 
bers from all evangelical denominations, 
and its committees are selected from seven 
different sects. In attending to the dis- 
charge of their various duties, and the details 
of the Society's business, they find no ob- 
struction in those points of difference which 
all agree are not essential to salvation and the 
favour of God, and bring one blessed tribute 
of love, and one simultaneous movement of 
exertion in His cause with whom there is 
no question asked but '' Lovest thou me?" 
In this spirit they follow his command, '' feed 
my lambs." 



CHAPTER XV. 

Mr. Richmond appointed Chaplain to the Duke of 
Kent. — Illness of his wife. — His son J^ugent. 

About this period, Mr. Richmond, in con- 
nexion with his other duties, was appointed 
one of the chaplains of the duke of Kent. 
This nobleman was a patron of the religious 
institutions, and he became acquainted with 
the subject of this memoir, at the anniversa- 
ry meetings in London. The duties of Mr. 
Richmond as chaplain to the duke of Kent, 
were very inconsiderable, being only occa- 
sionally required to officiate at Kensington 



LRGH RICHMOXD. 107 

palace. Those duties, however, he discharg- 
ed with great fidelity — used the same extem- 
poraneous method of address which he else- 
where did, and was not ashamed in the pa- 
laces of princes to declare the whole counsel 
of God. 

Hitherto, the path in which the Providence 
of God had permitted Mr. Richmond to walk, 
was for the most part pleasant — but we now 
begin to perceive, in relation even to this 
highly favoured servant of God, the indica- 
tions of the approaching discipline of afflic- 
tions — always ' necessary to teach, even the 
best, that here they have no abiding city, but 
are strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 

•' About this time, Mr. Richmond was vi- 
sited with a domestic event which threatened 
the most distressing consequences. Mrs. 
Richmond was attacked by a dangerous ill- 
ness. The symptoms became very alarming, 
a high fever followed, and after the utmost 
exertion of medical skill, and the most unre- 
mitting attention, her recovery was declared 
to be hopeless. 

" The suddenness of this shock to the feel- 
ings of Mr. Richmond, who had long known 
her value, both as a wife and a mother, and the 
tender age of most of his children, gave to 
this dispensation the poignancy of the se- 
verest trial." Mr. Grimshawe thus writes: — 

''In the expectation of her immediate dia- 



108 LIFE OV 



solution, slie had taken leave of all the mem- 
bers of her family. A very few of their 
more intimate friends were permitted to see 
her on this occasion, and I was included in 
the number. On entering the room with an- 
other endeared friend, to pay this mournful 
visit, I was surprised to see an expression of 
joyful feeling on the countenance of the wife, 
and a calm and delightful serenity depicted 
on that of the husband, and could not help 
exclaiming — Is this the chamber of death .^ 
Death was so stripped of its terrors, and re- 
ligion so surrounded with all its consolations, 
that the place looked more like the portals of 
heaven, than the gloomy vestibule of the 
tomb. The triumph of faith in the dying 
wife seemed to support the otherwise afflict- 
ed husband, and to impart to him a corres- 
ponding elevation of feeling. He forgot for 
the moment his own sorrows in her joys; 
his own loss in her gain; and did not wish 
to arrest her expected flight to the world 
of happy spirits, or indulge his grief, while 
she was rejoicing in the mercies of redeeming 
love. 

'' If this conduct of Mr. Richmond should 
excite surprise in any of our readers, let it be 
remembered that he was in the habit of esti- 
mating every thing by its reference to eter- 
nity; and that tenderly as he was attached to 
his wife, and sensible of the importance of 






LEGH RICHMOND. 109 

her life to himself and to his children, still 
the consciousness of her assured happiness 
was evidently the absorbing feeling of his 
mind at that time. God also gives extraor- 
dinary support under extraordinary trials. ' A 
martyr's grace in a martyr's suiferings.' 

" ' There is a time for all things.' Nature 
and grace have their feelings, and there is a 
season for the lawful expression of both. The 
removal of the wife would doubtless have 
filled with the greatest sorrow that heart 
which now exulted in her triumphant pros- 
pects. The husband would weep, while the 
christian rejoiced ^ with joy unspeakable and 
full of glory.' 

" It will be well while we contemplate the 
triumph of faith and hope in others, that we 
should inquire what would be our own feel- 
ings in the hour of death, and under the 
pressure of affliction. Reader! does death 
present the appalling image of a dread eter- 
nity to your mind, or does faith open to your 
view the prospect of a glorious immortality } 
Time hurries on its rapid course. Sorrow, 
or joy, the cry of terror, or the song of vic- 
tory, must sooner or later be the portion of 
every child of Adam, Be yours the trium- 
phant song — ' Thanks be to God, which giv- 
eth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus 
Christ.' 

'^ The affectionate sympathy of Mr. Rich- 



110 LIFE OF 

mond's parishoners at this trying season, de- 
serves to be mentioned. The most fervent 
prayers had been offered up daily for the re- 
covery of Mrs. Richmond; those prayci^ were 
heard. Contrary to all human expectation, the 
symptoms of the disorder abated, and h^r life 
was spared. It seemed as if she had entered 
into the valley of the shadow of death — ex- 
plored all its secret recesses — penetrated to 
its utmost confines, and seen the light which 
could alone dispel all its darkness; and then 
— led by the hand of Him who says, ' I kill, 
and I make alive: I wound, and I heal;' she 
once more returned to the days of her pil- 
grimage, and survived to follow to the grave 
the husband, who, thirteen years before, had 
resigned her to the mercy of his God." 

But the above was not the lieaviest afflic- 
tion which, at this period, Mr. Richmond 
was called upon to encounter. His son Nu- 
gent does not appear to have profited by the 
advice, the instructions, and the example of 
his father. A case of this kind comes under the 
description of one of those mysterious provi- 
dences of God which we cannot easily compre- 
hend. The declaration of God cannot, surely, 
fail of its accomplishment — ^'^ train up a child 
in the way he should go, and when he is old he 
will not depart from it;" — and consequently, 
when we see very striking variations from 
this principle, we are for the most part au- 



LEGH RICHMOND. Ill 

thorised to conclude that there was defect in 
the training. This conclusion, however, 
though generally, is not universally correct; 
because it would be erroneous to form opi- 
nions in such cases from immediate conse- 
quences. Where there has been a faithful 
religious education, and yet the child does 
not seem to verify the scripture maxim, we 
must wait till we see the end, before we form 
the conclusion. Mr. Richmond's son Nu- 
gent, although he departed for a time from 
his father's counsel, and apparently from 
the ways of God, was, before his death, by 
striking Providential interposition brought 
to himself like the Prodigal Son — made a 
sincere penitent, became a decided follower 
of the meek and lowly Jesus, and died at 
last in the faith. — But this anticipates the 
history. Nugent was determined to go to 
sea; and after many ineffectual attempts to 
alter his determination, Mr. Richmond at 
last submitted. It was a severe struggle; for 
this w^as his eldest son, and he had perhaps too 
fondly indulged the wish to see him a minis- 
ter of the gospel. The Lord willed it other- 
wise. The last interview between the father 
and son, was at Portsmouth, just on the eve of 
the ship's departure. The last present of the 
father was a Bible. The first letters which 
were received, expressed regret for his past 
conduct, and a hope that he might yet be a 



112 LIFE OF 

consolation to his ]jarents. In about sixteen 
months after the departure of his son^ Mr. 
Richmond heard of the shipwreck of the ves- 
sel in which he had sailed, accompanied by 
the account that all on board had perished. 
Of course this threw the family into deep 
affliction, unmitigated by any cheering cir- 
cumstances* But evil tidings are not always 
true. In the merciful dealings of God, three 
months afterwards Mr. Richmond received 
a letter from this very son, detailing his pre- 
sent circumstances. Providentially he had 
remained at Ceylon, when the vessel in which 
he sailed from England started on her re- 
turn, and thus escaped. — We leave all fur- 
ther particulars about Nugent, till their more 
appropriate place, only wishing our readers 
to bear in mind by the way, what we have 
previously stated of his change and happy 
end. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Emperor of Russia. — Princess Sophia Metstchersky, 

During a visit of the emperor of Russia to 
England, Mr. Richmond was accidentally 
placed in circumstances which gave him an 
opportunity of entering into conversation 
with that distinguished individual; and some 



LEGH RICHMOND. 113 

months after he sent him a copy of his tracts 
with an appropriate letter. — The followino; 
answer was received by Mr. Richmond ac- 
companied by a valuable ring. 

*' Reverend Sir, — The copy of your book, 
entitled ' Annals of the Poor,' was, accord- 
ing to your desire, presented to his Imperial 
Majesty, the Emperor Alexander, by me, to- 

f ether with your letter, and accepted by his 
lajesty, witn the greatest satisfaction. The 
object of this volume, the promotion of chris- 
tian charity and truly religious sentiments, 
renders it most interesting and valuable in 
the eyes of the Emperor, who desires no- 
thing so much as to see the principles of the 
gospel of Jesus Christ our Saviour, more and 
more universal in his dominions, and in the 
whole world. 

" On this occasion, his imperial Majesty 
recollected also having made your acquaint- 
ance in Portsmouth, under the circumstances 
you describe in your letter. 

'' In consequence of all this, his Majesty 
ordered me to deposit your book in the libra- 
ry of the Imperial Humane Society, and to 
send the ring which accompanies this letter, 
as a mark of his true esteem for you, and 
high approbation of your work. 

" It is very agreeable to me, in thus fulfill- 
ing the order of my sovereign, to assure you 
' K 2 



114 LIFE OF 

of the sincere esteem with which I have the 
honour to be — Your most obedient servant, 
'' Prince Alexander Galitzin. 
" St. Petersburg, 14t/i Jan, 1817." 

Mr. Richmond had also presented a copy 
of ''Little Jane" to the princess Sophia 
Metstchersky, a lady of great piety, who had 
already translated ''The Dairyman's Daugh-- 
ter" into the Russian language, and whose 
time and talents had been consecrated to the 
service of religion. As the courts of princes 
and great men of the earth, are not generally 
places favourable for the entrance and culti- 
vation of the graces and virtues of pure and 
undefiled religion, we take greater pleasure 
in speaking of this remarkable instance. And 
in order that our readers may judge more 
for themselves, we shall introduce here the 
answer which Mr. Richmond received from 
her. 

" Reverend Sir, — I have been hesitating 
for some days if I should stop to answer you 
till Mr. Pinkerton should be here, in hope 
that he would help me to express my grati- 
tude for your kind letter and valuable pre- 
sent in proper time; but I am afraid it will 
be too long, and you will perhaps suppose 
me indifterent and ungrateful; so I venture 
to send you my bad English without correc- 
tion. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 115 

«* Remember, dear Sir, that I am but a 
scholar, a very new one, and quite unfit to 
correspond with such a man as you, though 
my soul is capable of loving you as a brother 
and friend in Christ Jesus, and of admiring 
you as a chosen servant of his, a vessel unto 
honour, sanctified and meet for the Master's 
.use, and for the edification and comfort of 
his children. Yes, Sir, I hope I am united 
to you in one body and soul, which is Christ 
Jesus the Saviour^ and I say, with < Little 
Jane,' that I am happj to be even the small- 
est and lowest of all his members. How much 
I delighted in reading this narrative; how 
wonderful the grace of our Lord ! how happy 
the country where children are brought up in 
the fear of God, and taught so young to love 
and serve the Saviour; what an eminent 
christian — so young a child! But this is 
neither to be taught nor learnt. He alone 
can give it, who is love itself, and who pur- 
chased us to himself by shedding his precious 
blood for us. Oh, Sir! you do not know, 
perhaps, to what an unworthy being you 
wrote. I have passed all my life in the ig- 
norance of Him who died for me, without 
love to Him who loved me first, and sought 
me out, when I hastened to my ruin in a life 
of enmity to my God. He sought me out, 
and mercifully sent his servant Pinkerton to 
open my eyes and my ears by the power of 



116 LIFE OF 

His word, so that I plainly see now what a 
sinful, wicked creature 1 am; what a gra- 
cious, merciful God to offend! and how kind, 
and always ready and willing to receive us, 
our Saviour Jesus Christ is, and always will 
be! How good He was to me, sending such 
a meek, patient, loving soul, as the worthy 
Mr. Pinkerton proved to be during his liv- 
ing in my family.* What a life of disgust it 
must have been to a man of his distinguished 
merit, to bear with the caprices and wicked- 
ness of a spoiled, ignorant, and proud wo- 
man; but charity seeketh not her own, is not 
easily provoked, beareth all things, hopeth all 
things, endureth all things: charity never fail- 
eth: I have had an evident proof of it in my 
dear friend and instructed But I must stop, 
and ask to be forgiven for having written so 
much: my heart opens at the voice of a 
friend, and then I speak out of the fulness of 
it. Excuse me, then. Sir, for intruding so 
much upon your time. Pray for me, that I 
may come in faith and grace to the happy day, 
in which I shall be enabled to join with you 
in joyful hallelujahs and eternal praises of 
our heavenly Father and divine Saviour. Oh, 
may his peace always be with you ! Receive 

* Mr. (now Dr.) Pinkerton, was entrusted with the 
education of this distinguished lady's children. He 
was the zealous agent of the Bible Society. 



LEGH UICHMOXD. 117 

with indulgence, clear Sii*, my hearty thanks; 
and in the assurance of the sincere esteem 
and high regard with which I am — Your 
much obliged and obedient, 

^' P. Sophia Metstchersky." 



CHAPTER XVIL 

Birlh'day letters of Mr, Richmond,^-Hymn. 

One very interesting circumstance in the 
life of Mr. Richmond is, that he appears to 
have let no opportunity pass of drawing pro- 
fit from the various occurrences of the day. 
The birth-days of himself and family, he 
kept as a kind of religious festival, and sought 
to improve the occasion by appropriate let- 
ters, &c. The first which we give is addressed 
to his mother; the second, to his son Wilber- 
force, who, it will be recollected, was so 
named in commemoration of the original be- 
nefit derived to his own soul from the perusal 
of Mr. Wilberforce's treatise on practical 
Christianity. Both of these are specimens of 
remarkable affection and fidelity. 

'^My dearest Mother, — The return of this 
day demands a return of affectionate regards 
to God, the author of my being, and to you, 



118 LIFE OF 

the instrument employed by him to convey 
life and existence to my unworthy sell. 
Often do I reflect with love and gratitude on 
your kindness and watchful care over me, 
from infancy to the present moment. Your 
qualities of heart and head cannot be forgot- 
ten, any more than the name of a parent — a 
title consecrated by every principle, divine 
and human. This being my birth-day, I pro- 
pose to preach on Psalm cxxxix. verses 14 — 
18. How suitable for such a mediitation! 
What a miracle is the life of man, viewed 
naturally, spiritually, and eternally! Haw 
incomprehensible, from the first to the last I 
—from the cradle to the grave— from the 
grave to the resurrection — from the resurrec- 
tion through eternity! Then to consider 
the endless variety of frames, providences, 
events, souls, bodies, and spirits ! Sometimes 
when I meditate on futurity, I am lost in in- 
explicable thought: I then see the import- 
ance of the mind's retiring into the consola- 
tions of the past and present, as they arise 
from the revealed plan of salvation; and 
through that medium, even eternity assumes 
a solid and hopeful aspect 

" If ever I felt it more than ordinarily due 
to a valued parent to express my gratitude, it 
is at a time when she has so kindly and so 
considerately met the peculiar circumstances 
of difliculty, in whicn a variety of events 



1 



LEGH RICHMOND. 119 

have conspired to place me. Between my 
last and present birth-day, many sorrows, 
many shocks to feeling, many heavy expenses 
have occurred; my heart has been tried to 
the utmost: but your affectionate, unupbraid- 
ing, and liberal conduct, has proved a great 
cordial to me and my dear wife, in all our 
trials." 

LETTER TO HIS SON. 

"My dear Wilberforce, — Shall I have no 
cause for heart-ache at my return, when I in- 
quire how my child has behaved ? how he 
has attended to his learning? how he has ad- 
hered to truth in his words ? Shall I be com- 
forted with the glad tidings that your heart, 
and your conscience, and your ways, all 
seem to partake of a happy influence ? That 
you show your love to mamma by keeping 
her commandments ? That you pray to God 
to forgive you your sins, and hourly offences t 
Do the four walls of your little chamber bear 
witness to your prayers and supplications for 
yourself and me? Do the sun's rays, as 
they early penetrate your window in the 
morning, find you early and active to rise, 
to read, to labour, and to grow in grace ? 

" I saw Litchfield cathedral, and attended 
divine service there. It is a much smaller 
one than York, but has great beauty; the or- 
gan notes rolled sublimely through the vaults 



120 LIFE OF 

arches, pillars, and roof; and the exquisite- 
ly painted windows assimilated with such 
sounds, and rendered the eft'ect very fine. It 
has three beautiful spires. 

" One evening I travelled with a friend for 
three hours, amidst the most beautiful and 
never-ceasing distant lightning; the whole 
western hemisphere was in a constant blaze; 
the flashes alternated from one point of the 
horizon to another, distant about forty-five 
degrees from it; sometimes the flashes were 
silvery, sometimes yellow, sometimes orange; 
sometimes forked, sometimes sheet-like; 
sometimes so vivid, you seemed to have a 
peep into more distant regions of space; 
sometimes more faint; now and then you 
heard slight rumblings, then all was silent. 
At one point the flashes gleamed upon a dis- 
tant view of a castle, which seemed all on 
fire, and was only rendered visible by the 
effect of the lightning. A dark forest lay be- 
hind, ^nd formed a fine contrast. Sometimes 
the forked flashes hurried one another in a 
kind of playful progress; at others, they 
dashed together as if in terrible combat; all 
this passed between seven and ten o'clock, 
on the evening of June 28th. But what are 
these lightnings compared with those which 
made Moses quake and tremble at mount 
Sinai ? or what were even the latter, when 
contrasted with those of God's wrath against 



LEGH RICHMOND. 121 

-inners? Thunder and lightning is a fine 
emblem of divine justice and threatenings. 
You have need to ' flee from the wrath to 
come. ' ' Repent, for the kingdom of heaven 
is at hand. ' ' The wicked, and all the people 
that forget God, shall be turned into hell.' 
Do you forget him? if so, what shall be your 
portion.^ If you say you do not forget Him, 
how do you prove it.^ An enlightened, but 
unconverted mind has eyes and tongue to ap* 
prove what is right; but the feet follow the 
paths of evil. A converted heart alone walks 
in the steps of Him who is ^the way, the 
truth, and the life.' Say — 

'' To me, O Lord ! be thou '• the way,' 

To me, be thou *• the truth;' 
To me, my Saviour, be ^ the hfe,' 

Thou Guardian of my youth ! 

'' So shall that ' way' be my delight, 
That ^ truth ' shall make me free ; 

That '' life' shall raise me from the dead, 
And then I'll live to Thee." 

*^I sincerely hope you are beginning to be 
truly sensible of the danger of sin, and the 
necessity of seeking the Lord very early. 
Your life is an uncertainty, at best; occa- 
sional indisposition should remind you that 
you may never arrive at man's estate. If you 
are to die a boy, we must look for a boy's 
religion, a boy's knowledge, a boy's faith, a 



122 LIFE OF 

boy's Saviour — a boy's salvation! Or else, 
a boy's ignorance — a boy's obstinacy — a 
boy's unbelief — a boy's idolatry — a boy's 
destruction! Remember all this, and be- 
ware of sin; dread the sinfulness of an un- 
changed heart — pray for a new one; pray 
for grace and pardon, and a soul conformed 
to the image of Christ Jesus; — pray for wis- 
dom, for the destruction of pride, vain con- 
ceit, and self-sufficiency. ' Be not slothful 
in business; but fervent in spirit, serving tiie 
Lord.' 

'' Friends here inquire after you; but it is 
in the full hope that you go on wxll, credita- 
bly, obediently, industriously, humbly, and 
christianly. Love to all, from — Your affec- 
tionate father, L. R." 

Connected with this subject, we introduce 
the following Hymn, which was written for 
his son Wilberforce. 

" My years roll on in silent course. 
Impelled by a resistless force : 
Awake, my soul I awake and sing, 
How good thy God, how great thy King ! 

" My years roll on : then let W) know, 
The great design for which they flow ; — 
And as the ship floats o'er the wave, 
Thy vessel, Lord ! in mercy save. 

" My years roll on : the tide of timet 
Bears me through many a changing clime; 



LEGH RICHMOND. 123 

IVe summers, winters — licat and cold, — 
Winds, calms, and tempests, ten times told. 

** My years roll on : but here's my hope, 
And this my everlasting prop : 
Though seasons change, and I change too, 
My God's the same — ^for ever true ! 

" My years roll on : and as they roll. 
Oh 1 may they waft my ransom *d soul 
Safe through life's ocean, to yon shore, 
Where sins and sorrows grieve no more ! 

" My years roll on : and with them flows. 
That mercy which no limit knows : 
' Tie Mercy's current makes me glide, 
In hope of safety, down the tide. 

" My yezus roll on : my soul be still, — 

Guided by love, thy course fulfil: 

And, my life's anxious voyage past. 

My refuge be with Christ at last I L. R.** 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Interesting Visit to a Sunday School. — Striking in- 
stances of Conversion. 

'^Mr. Richmond, having received fre- 
quent invitations to visit Scotland, and be- 
ing no less desirous himself of cultivating a 
personal intercourse with many valuable cha- 
racters in that country, was induced, in the 
year 1818, to fulfil his long-meditated project. 



124 LIFE OF 

The introduction of the subject of the amelior- 
ation of the condition of Jews, afforded a fa- 
vourable opportunity. We are in possession of 
very few notices of this first journey, beyond 
the accompanying letters; but we are fur- 
nished with more ample materials respecting 
a visit paid in 1 820, to which we shall in due 
time direct the attention of the reader. * 

"My dear Mary, — The respect, regard, 
friendship, and affection with which both my- 
self and my cause are received, in every 
place, by the religious people in Scotland, 
constitute a feature in my life never to be 
forgotten. My whole mind is deeply busied 
in meditations upon the goodness and love of 
God. I can hardly expect to interest your 
mind in all tlie minutiae of my hourly inter- 
course; but I believe your eyes would be 
often filled with tears of gratitude, if you 
saw and heard all which I see and hear. 

" A leading feature in my late transac- 
tions has been derived from visits to Sunday 
and other schools, where, after hearing the 
children examined, I have addressed them. 
In every instance they have made juvenile 
collections for the Jewish children. On Sun- 
day last I visited a school of two hundred 
chddren. It was the half-yearly day for 
distributing reward books. The sixty most 

* Grimshawe. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 125 

deserving scholars were to receive 'the 
Young Cottager' as their reward. Three of 
them had already been blessed, some time 
ago, in hearing it read at school. I was re- 
quested to present each child with the tract, 
as tliey were successively brought up to me, 
in presence of about two hundred grown-up 
persons of all ranks. It was a most solemn 
and affecting scene. The gentleman who 
manages the school offered up a most aft'ect- 
ing thanksgiving for the good which had at- 
tended the distribution of my tracts through- 
out Scotland, and in his school in particular, 
and for the opportunity now aiforded of in- 
troducing me personally to so many children, 
' who had long loved me with their hearts. ' 
Immediately all the company and all the 
children sang a thanksgiving hymn. Then 
followed what affected me greatly. The chil- 
dren were drawn up in a triple semicircle, in 
the centre of which I stood. Each success- 
ful candidate successively stepped forward 
and received from my hand a ' Young Cot- 
tager,' and from my lips a short exhortation 
and blessing. Not an eye was dry, and my 
own with difficulty allowed me to go through 
the simple and interesting ceremony. One 
girl, who was two years since converted by 
God's blessing on the tract, as she approach- 
ed me, was so affected, that she dropped on 
her knees and burst into tears. 
l2 



126 LIFE OF 

" At another female school which I visit- 
ed, there was a class of thirty dear little 
girls, all of five and six years old, who un- 
derwent the most interesting examination I 
ever witnessed. A monitor of eight years 
examined, and all the thirty little lambs re- 
plied at once in simple orderly expressions, 
as if but one had spoken; and thus also they 
repeated hymns, and at last united in ©ing- 
ing one. They then grouped around the 
chair where I stood, and where I addressed 
about one hundred and eighty of all ages. 
The affectionate farewells which I have re- 
ceived from numerous classes of friends, ac- 
companied by the most earnest entreaties that 
I will repeat my visits among them, affect 
me beyond any thing 1 have ever witnessed. 

" Edinburgh July 17, 1818." 

The following letter which was written 
also to one of his children, will be read with, 
great interest. 

" My dear F , — I was unspeakably 

gratified at Newcastle, in seeing two little 
girls, one of ten, the other of twelve, the 
spiritual fruits of my ^ Young Cottager;' the 
latter of the two I had not seen before. I 
never before, except in the case of ' Little 
Jane ' herself, saw so clear and so early an 
instance of decided grace, and of a truly en- 
lightened mind: you would have thought her 



LEGH RICHMOND. 127 

conversation equal to eighteen, at least. I 
apprehend that I have become acquainted 
with above thirty cases of decided usefulness 
in youth, from that tract, since I came into * 
the North. Oh I what a mercy! In this, 
' goodness indeed follows me. ' 

•' My visit to Scotland has been marked 
by more affection and usefulness than any 
one I ever made: numerous public and pri- 
vate occurrences overwhelm me with grati- 
tude. The Scottish scenery is of the very first 
class. Whatever i3 beautiful, whatever is 
grand, whatever is wild and romantic— all 
are to be found in almost unlimited variety 
of display. Noble rivers, lakes and water- 
falls, picturesque hills and mountains, lovely 
land and sea views, fine towns and buildings 
— all speaking the goodness, power, and wis- 
dom of God! The marks of affection, re- 
gard, and esteem, with which I was receiv- 
ed, far exceed what I have ever witnessed; 
and I have reason to believe much actual 
good has been done to many individuals, 
while I was tliere." 



128 LIFE OF 

CHAPTER XIX. 

^r. Richmond's opinions on the subject of Oratorios. 

'' The following letters express his senti- 
ments on the subject of Oratorios, on which 
he seems to have held a most decided opinion. 
No man was ever more truly fond of music 
than himself, and especially in its applica- 
tion to devotional purposes. Such is the pro- 
fessed object of Oratorios; and the sublime 
compositions of those great masters in this 
science, Handel and Haydn, certainly carry 
its powers to almost the highest degree of per- 
fection. The principle then, itself, in its 
pure and legitimate application, must ever be 
considered as subservient to the interests of 
piety. It is, therefore, the abuse of this 
principle, and the mode in which Oratorios 
are generally conducted, that excited the ap- 
prehensions of Mr. Richmond, as to their 
possible influence on his own children. The 
worldly associations connected with what is 
otherwise a source of high gratification to a 
scientific and devotional mind, constituted, 
in his estimation, an insuperable objection to 
these festivals. As a difference of opinion is 
known to exist in the religious world on this 
subject, we feel happy in exhibiting Mr. 
Richmond's sentiments, in the following let- 
ter to his wife."* 

* Grimshawe. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 129 

'* My very dear Mary, — The approaching 
grand musical festival, occasions almost daily 
discussion in every party where we are visit- 
ing; and there is but one feeling amongst all 
our christian friends — that no serious con- 
sistent christian will go. Mary,* of course, 
hears nothing from either her father's lips, or 
from those of all his estimable friends, but 
determined objections to the whole plan, its 
accompaniments, its gaiety, its dissipation, 
its ensnaring character, and its inconsistency 
with every principle of nonconformity to the 
world. Neither she nor I could appear 
again in Scotland, in a religious, and much 
less a missionary character, if we were to be 
present at these amusements. 

" I have never had but one opinion on the 
subject of these prostitutions of religion and 
music, at these theatrical, and, as I think, 
unwarrantable medleys. I wish you had the 
good sentiments of dear John Newton, on the 

fublic Oratorio of the ' Messiah,' at hand, 
deeply lament that any, who, in other re- 
spects, so justly deserve the name of consistent 
christians; should so little fathom the cor- 
ruptions of their own hearts, and be so insen- 
sible to the dangerous tendency of public 
amusements which unite all the levity of the 

* His eldest daughter, who accompanied him 
during this tour to Scotland, 



130 LIFE OF 



world with the professed sanctity of religious' 
performances. We have forsworn ail these 
things on principle: and what is religious 
character and credit worth, if consistency is 
to be sacrificed? Numerous as my faults 
and errors may be, I hope to be preserved 
from ever deliberately consenting that my 
children, of whatever age, should enter into 
societies, intimacies, or what I deem forbid- 
den amusements, so as to wound my con- 
science. 

" God bless you ! Take this as the hearty 
prayer and desire of — Your aflfectionate 

"Legh Richmond." 

'' The same subject is again thus resumed^ 
in a letter addressed to an active friend of 
the Tract Society: — 

*' I do consider the ordinary musical festi- 
vals, conducted as they are, amid a strange 
medley of wanton confusion and most impure 
mixtures, as highly delusive, fascinating, and 
dangerous to youth. I consider the Oratorio 
perwrmances in churches, as a solemn mock- 
ery of God, and forbidden by the clear prin- 
ciples of the gospel. The making the most 
sacred and solemn subjects which heaven 
ever revealed to man, even to the Passion of 
Christ himself on the cross, a matter for the 
gay, critical, and undevout recreation of in- 



I 



LEGH RICHMOND. 131 

dividuals, who avowedly assemble for any 
purpose but that of worship; and who, if 
they did, could hardly pretend that it were 
very practicable in such company, and on 
such an occasion, I do from my heart believe 
to be highly offensive to God. Playhouse ac- 
tors and singers (frequently persons of ex- 
ceptionable character,) are hired, supported, 
applauded, and almost idolized, in these ex- 
hibitions, and encouraged to persevere in 
their immoral and dangerous proiession. Vice 
rides very triumphantly in such proceedings. 
The spirit of the world, the pride of life, the 
lust of the eye, all enter into these public 
gaieties; and their false pretensions to par- 
tial sacredness, only render them more ob- 
jectionable. If young people do not learn 
this lesson early, they will greatly suffer in 
all hope of their spirituality. The less they 
may now, in the infancy of their christian 
state, see and feel this, the more dangerous 
it is to yield to their ignorance and inexpe- 
rience. What is morally and religiously 
wrong, can never become right through the 
error of youth. And it would be a strange 
departure from every moral and religious 
principle, to say — ' I know an act to be 
wrong in itself, but my child has not grace 
enough to see it as I do; therefore, I may 
lawfully permit him to do what 1 know to be 



132 LIFE OF 

wrong.' Would not this open a door to 
every species of sin and error? 

''As to examples of good people: — Sin 
does not cease to be sin, because some good 
people unhappily fall into the snares which 
the great enemy of souls spreads for their 
delusion. It is, and it shall be for a lamenta- 
tion, that good men err so deplorably, and 
thereby countenance what, eventually, their 
principles condemn, and what they may some 
day have deep cause to regret. 

" No man in England loves music — sacred 
music — better than I do; therefore my sacri- 
fice to principle and conscience is far greater 
than that of many others. I ought to have the 
greater credit for my self-denial; but I dare 
not countenance sin and danger, because it is 
clothed in the bewitching garb of good music 
and pretended sanctity. ' Let not my soul 
come into their assembly!' Tender and af- 
fectionate husband and father, as I hope 1 am, 
however 1 some4:imes may be misapprehended, 
and consequently sorry to interfere with the 
comfort of those most near and dear to me; 
yet I rejoice from my heart, in having pre- 
vented the sanctioning any part of so pro- 
miscuous and unjustifiable a medley, by the 
attendance of the members of my dear fami- 
ly; and they wil} one day thank me. When 
the object is avowedly an act of worship, all 



LEGH RICHMOKD. 133 

is right, let who will sing and play; but 
but when it is avowedly an act of amusement, 
religion, rightly felt and understood, forbids 
the profane performance of singing-men and 
singing-women, trifling with the things that 
belong to our everlasting peace, and turn- 
ing them into mockery." 

The remarks above, made on the subject 
of Oratorios in England and Scotland, apply, 
with very little abatement, to these things 
wherever they are exhibited. The subject is 
left to the heart and conscience of the chris- 
tian reader. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Tour to Scotland. — Visit to Mr. Owen of Lanark. — 
lona. — Letter to his son on the Ministry, 

Mr. Richmond, in his tours for benevo- 
lent purposes, often visited Scotland, and his 
Diary exhibits the same marks of success as 
in England. Our space will not allow of ex- 
tracts, although we cannot resist one which 
relates to the establishment of the celebrated 
Mr. Owen. Mr. Richmond gives the true 
reason for the want of success of that wild 
and visionary man. 

^' July 24. Breakfasted with Mr. Owen. 
Conversed again on his new plan. Went to 

M 



134 LIFE OV B« 

the school: saw the children go through all 
their various classes. Many things are very 
interesting here, but require close investiga- > 
tion. Visited the fall of the Clyde — very su- I 
perb indeed. Read, as I travelled on, Mr. 
Owen's manuscript. Some clever ideas of 
economical arrangement; but it must fail, 
as it now stands. There is no Christ in his 
scheme^ and it cannot prosper.^^ 

The following extract is of great beauty, 
and shows the wonderful power of this de- 
voted servant of God, of drawing the most 
truly valuable spiritual instruction from the 
contemplation of the beauties of nature. Of Mr. 
Richmond it might indeed be said, that he 

" Looked through Nature, up to Nature's God." 

'' I rose early in the morning to view the 
mountains of Arran. They were enveloped 
in clouds, and rendered invisible. Thus, it 
occurred to me, have my fair prospects in the 
landscape of life been often obscured, and the 
mists of sadness or uncertainty have shed a 
gloom over my spirits. I have said, 'Why 
art thou cast down, ! my soul, and why art 
thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in 
God, for I shall yet praise Him, who is the 
health of my countenance, and my God.' 

'' I looked again across the arm of the 
ocean which intervened, and I saw the clouds 
becoming gradually thinner; the mountains 



LEGH RICHMOND. 135 

showed their grotesque and interesting forms, 
as if seen through a veil, which at length dis- 
persed, and the magnificent group of hills 
was seen in all its beauty. So, I thought, 
has mercy often shed her rays over the scene 
of life, dissolved the clouds of apprehension 
and sorrow, and cheered the whole prospect 
with the enlivening light of hope and love. 
Every mountain raises its head to the glory 
of God, and all their fantastic but sublime 
combinations declare his wisdom, power, and 
goodness. This lovely scenery shall preach 
to my soul, and from its ever-varying fea- 
tures I will draw forth instruction, and sub- 
jects for praise and adoration." 

During this tour Mr. Richmond visited 
the island of lona, one of the Hebrides. This 
island is exceedingly celebrated in Scottish 
antiquity. Christianity was introduced here 
from Ireland in the sixth century, by St. Co- 
lumba, accompanied by twelve disciples; 
through whose labours the greater part of 
Scotland had^been converted to the christian 
faith. 

" The college founded by St. Columba 
was the seat and centre of literature and 
piety; and from hence these blessings were 
diffused, not only over the British islands, 
but throughout a great part of Europe. The 
ruins of these ancient edifices still remain as 
memorials of the apostolical labours of Co- 



136 LIFE OF , 

lumba, his associates, and successors. lona 
is the burial place of forty-eight Scotch crown- 
ed headsj four Irish kings, eight Norwegian 
princes or viceroys of the island, and a mul- 
titude of nobility and religious orders. It 
had also 360 crosses, which were all destroy- 
ed, except one, at the Reformation. The 
ruin of the once splendid cathedral cannot 
fail to interest the traveller, and to excite 
the deepest emotion in the heart of the chris- 
tian. It was under the influence of recollec- 
tions like these, that Dr. Johnson composed 
the following celebrated passage. 
'" We were now treading that illustrious 
island which was once the luminary of the 
Caledonian regions; w^hence savage clans, 
and roving barbarians derived the benefit of 
knowledge and the blessings of religion. To 
abstract the mind from all local emotion 
would be impossible if it were endeavoured, 
and would be foolish if it were possible. 
Whatever withdraws us from the power of 
our senses; whatever makes the past, the dis- 
tant, or the future predominate over the pre- 
sent, advances us in the dignity of thinking 
beings. Far from me, and from my friends, 
be such frigid philosophy, as may conduct us, 
indiflerent and unmoved, over any ground 
which has been dignified by wisdom, bravery, 
and virtue. The man is little to be envied, 
whose patriotism would not gain force upon 



LEGH RICHMOND. 137 

the plains of Marathon, or whose piety would 
not grow warmer among the ruins of lona.' "* 
From this island, among otlier interesting 
letters, Mr. Richmond wrote one to his son 
Wilberforce, on the subject of the christian 
ministry, from which the following extract is 
made. 

'^My dear Boy, — It is high time that you 
and I should communicate frequently, inti- 
mately, and confidentially. If this is not to be 
expected by the time you have arrived at fif- 
teen, when is it to be looked for ? On one 
account, I have more solicitude, and even 
dread, on your behalf, than for any of my 
children. Earnestly as I should wish a son 
of mine to be a minister, yet I tremble at the 
idea of educating and devoting a son to the 
sacred profession, without a previous satisfac- 
tory evidence that his own soul was right 
with God. Without this, you and I should 
be guilty of a most awful sin in his sight. 
To any, and every other good profession, 
trade, or occupation, it may be lawful and ex- 
pedient to fix with some degree of determi- 
nation, long before entering upon it; but the 
ministry is an exception. Even St. Paul 
himself trembles at his responsibility, and ex- 
claims, ' lest, when I have preached to others, 
I myself should be a cast-away.' I consider 

* Grimshawe. 
M 2 



138 LIFE OF 

personal religion, accompanied and evidenced 
by personal conduct, to be indispensable in 
the individual, before either he, or another for 
him, fixes on the ministry for his profession. 
And I will not hesitate to say to you that, 
honoured and happy as I should feel, in be- 
ing permitted to see you a faithful preacher 
of righteousness, adorning the gospel which 
you proclaim to others — ^yet without this, I 
would rather a thousand times see you in the 
humblest capacity in life. 1 know what the 
office is; and a penitent sense of my own 
deficiencies teaches me to be fearful, and to 
tremble for those of others ; how much more 
so in the case of my own child ? 

''Now, I will not, and ought not to con- 
ceal from you, that, however accustomed we 
may all have been to talk of you as a future 
clergyman, I dare not decide upon any such 
plan without a much more clear evidence 
than I have yet seen, that your actual state 
of feelings and conduct, temper and conver- 
sation, habitual and permanent thoughts, are 
such as will justify me in coming to so so- 
lemn a determination on my own part. 

'' I say this with anxiety, and write it with 
fear, as my pen proceeds; but I say it with 
earnest prayers for the real conversion of 
your soul to God, and with some hope that 
He will hear the petitions which I have offer- 
ed up for you through many a long year. I 



LEGH RICHMOND. 139 

still repeat it, that I never can consent to 
put my seal to the question of the ministry, 
unless, and until I have some satisfactory 
proof of your heart being turned to God, in 
holy consistency, and permanence of cha- 
racter. 

" Let these pages be a testimony before 
God — and keep them as a sign between you 
and me — that I am in earnest, as to a subject 
where indifference would be sin. 

" I have long been studying your charac- 
ter in the hourly events of each day, in im- 
mediate reference to this point. — Remember, 
'they that are Christ's have crucified the 
flesh, with its affections and lusts:' crucify 
youi*s. Pursue your studies with diligence: 
you may do great things for yourself, even 
w^ithout help — although I grant, much better 
with it. But 'work while it is day; the 
night cometh when no man can work. ' — Be- 
lieve me your affectionate father, L. R." 

How exceedingly important and appropri- 
ate these remarks. We trust they will be 
weighed by those, if any such there be among 
our readers, looking forward to the sacred 
office. 



140 LIFE OF 

CHAPTER XXL 

Mr» Richmond among the Children at lona. 

This is a portion of Mr. Richmond's tour 
which we think our readers will dwell on 
with peculiar satisfaction. 

*' The kindness of his heart led him to ex- 
perience an exquisite satisfaction in impart- 
ing pleasure. It seemed to be his constant 
aim 'to instruct by pleasing:' and he enter- 
ed into every innocent feeling of children, 
and readily shared their recreations. The 
school at lona particularly interested him; 
and he soon gained on the children's affec- 
tions, who listened to his instructions with 
confiding simplicity. Before he quitted lona, 
he rewarded their diligent attendance with a 
public entertainment. The best sheep to be 
found in the island was purchased for the 
sum of six shillings. But a difficulty arose 
on the occasion, — there was fuel to roast it, 
but the whole domain could not supply the 
necessary apparatus for its dissection. The 
children assembled on the shore, and picked 
up shells, to answer the purpose of knives 
and forks. 

" How interesting a scene! Two hundred 
children and their parents, assembled on 
the sea-shore, — every countenance beaming 



LEGH RICHMOND. 141 

with delight I The hearts of the guests might 
be full of joy, in the novelty of the amuse- 
ment, and in the hospitality of their benefac- 
tor; but the master of the feast, amidst the 
wreck of greatness, the tombs of the mighty 
dead, and the anticipation of the revival of 
former piety among these remote islanders, 
would taste the higher luxury of doing good. 
^^Mr. Richmond, during his visit to lona, 
frequently preached in the school-house. On 
one of these occasions, he adverted to the 
Jewish mission. The hum of the children 
was heard, 'We will give, we will give!' 
Some persons present attempted to check 
their zeal, and keep silence; but all voices 
were raised in reply — 'The bairns will have 
it — the bairns will have it!' meaning, the chil- 
dren would make a collection: and they pre- 
sented to him the sum of 2/. 05. 9f/.* (S9.50.) 
If not all their living, yet a magnificent offer- 
ing to Him whose grace had touched their 
hearts and inspired their zeal. Of these poor 
islanders it might be truly said, ' Their deep 
poverty abounded unto the riches of their li- 
berality. ' 

* This seems a large sum for lona, but we have 
the authority of Mr. Richmond's journal for the fact; 
where it is also stated, that he repeatedly declined 
accepting the boon ; but the islanders forced it upon 
him as a testimony of their regard to him and to his 
cause. 



142 LIFE OF 

''The impression made on the people of 
lona by Mr. Richmond's visit, appears from 
the following anecdote. He had hired a boat 
and two sailors, to take him to Fingal's cave, 
a place of great curiosity, and of which he 
never spoke without the deepest emotion. 
On his return, he asked the boatmen what he 
had to pay them. But they refused to ac- 
cept any remuneration; and though he urged 
tliem to name their charge, they firmly per- 
sisted in their resolution; looking at him 
with tears in their eyes and exclaiming, ' No, 
no, no, sir. Love has brought you to lona, 
and love shall find you a boat^ ' 

" Mr. Richmond, before he quitted this in- 
teresting scene of his labours, addressed the 
children, about £00 of whom were present. 
The master desired that as many as wished 
to thank their benefactor for his kindness to 
them, would lift up their hands. All raised 
their hands above their heads. ' Is this from 
your hearts.^ said the master. Instantly one 
hand was laid on their hearts, the other re- 
maining up: ' and in this posture,' says Mr. 
Richmond, in his journal, ' the dear children 
stood, while I gave them a parting blessing. 
It was a most touching sight. ' 

'' He left lona amidst the tears of its popu- 
lation, nearly the whole of whom attended 
him to the sea-shore, with the most lively de- 
monstrations of gratitude and love. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 143 

*' • Farewell,' he observes, • dear, interest- 
ing lona. May I think much and profitably 
on my visit, and on whit I saw and enjoyed 
there. ' 

''Before he quitted the island he had 
formed a plan for raising, by subscription, 
the means of building a new school-house, 
and providing a permanent salary for the 
master. "* 

For this benevolent purpose, Mr. Rich- 
mond raised about £70. (§311,15.) But 
the duke of Argyle, who owned the island, 
afterwards erected the school-house at his 
own expense; and the money raised by Mr. 
Richmond, was put in trust, the interest to 
be annually devoted to the moral and reli- 
gious benefit of lona. 

'' On his return from the North, Mr. Rich- 
mond passed through Stockport, at the time 
when radical opinions disturbed the country. 
In consequence of his lameness, he was never 
able to walk far without resting. He was 
leaning on his stick and looking about him, 
when a poor fellow ran up to him and oifered 
his hand, inquiring with considerable earnest- 
ness, ' pray, sir, are you a radical ?' ' Yes, my 
friend,' replied Mr. Richmond, ' I am a radi- 
cal, a thorough radical.' 'Then,' said the 
man, ' give me your hand. ' ' Stop, sir, stop; 
I must explain myself: we all need a radical 

* Grimshawe. 



144 LIFE OF 

reformation, our hearts are full of disorders j 
the root and principle within us is altogether 
corrupt. Let you and I mend matters there; 
and then all will be well, and we shall cease 
to complain of the times and the govern- 
ment.' ' Right, sir,' replied the radical, 'you 
are right, sir;' and bowing respectfully, he 
retired. 

" Mr. Richmond had ever a strong an- 
tipathy to political contention; nor could he 
be prevailed on to vote at an election with- 
out extreme reluctance. He used to say, 
' a religious man is never more out of his 
place, nor in greater danger of losing his 
piety, than in the squabbles of politics."'* 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Some interesting domestic circumstances of Mr. Rich- 
mond^s Family, 

In the spring of 1821, Mr. Richmond k)st 
an infant child; and in the spring of 1822, he 
had the happiness of uniting his eldest daugh- 
ter to a clergyman of the established church 
of Scotland, the Rev. James Marshall. On 
the day of her marriage, Mr. Richmond ad- 

* Grimshawe. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 145 

dressed to his daughter, the following interest- 
ing letter. 

'' I this day consign you, my beloved daugh- 
ter, into the hands of one whom 1 believe to 
be a man of God, and who will watch over 
your eternal as well as your temporal inter- 
ests. I trust that your union is formed in 
the simplicity of faith, hope, and love. Give 
yourself up, first to God, and then to your 
husband, for Christ's sake. Pray for grace 
to conduct yourself aright, in the new sta- 
tions of wife and mistress. Never depend for 
a single moment on the strength of your own 
feeble nature. Live constantly by faith on 
the Son of God; relying on him for the 
graces of domestic life, as well as those of a 
more general character. Endeavour in all 
things to please God, and you will be sure to 
please all whom you ought to please. 

''Expect the trials and crosses incident io 
the earthly pilgrimage; but expect also by 
the mercies and merits of Jesus Christ, to be 
enabled to pass through them with safety and 
peace. 

'' Love, honour, and obey your husband, for 
the Lord's sake. Do it upon deep, conscien- 
tious principles, as in the constant sight of 
God. Think much on the love of Christ to 
poor sinners; and live upon this love, as food 
and medicine to vour own soul. 
N ^ 



146 LIFE OF 

" Be cheerful without levity; be grave with- 
out moroseness; be devout without affecta- 
tion; be firm without obstinacy; be diligent 
in business, fervent in spirit, serving the 
Lord in all things. 

" Although you leave your father's house, 
1 know you will not leave its principles, any 
more than its love. Though separated, we 
shall be closely united, — though out of sight, 
yet never out of mind: you will think of us, 
and we of you, with affections tender, ra- 
tional, and abiding. We shall often meet at 
the throne of grace, and welcome each other, 
and be welcomed there; we shall often meet 
in the correspondences of heart and pen. We 
shall, if God permit, sometimes meet in 
sweet personal intercourse again; we shall 
often meet in the affectionate reveries of 
imagination. And oh! may we at last meet 
to part no more, in the house not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens. 

"' Study your own and your husband's dis- 
positions, that you may cultivate true conju- 
gal peace and love. Ever be ready to open 
your heart to him on things spiritual as well 
as temporal. Disappoint him not herein, for 
he will watch over your soul, as one that 
must give account. A minister's public la- 
bours are intimately connected with his pri- 
vate and domestic consolations. A minis- 
ter's wife may be a main-spring of encourage- 



LEGH RICHMOND. 147 

merit or discouragement to her husband, in 
all his arduous and anxious occupations for 
the good of his flock. On her example and 
demeanour very much may often depend. 
Keep this always in mind, and look up to 
Christ for gracious help. Feel with, and for 
your husband, in all his parochial and con- 
gregational interests, as well as in tliose 
which are simply domestic — they ought to be 
inseparable. Cultivate a deep and personal 

f>iety. Imitate the holy women of old, and 
et your adorning be like unto theirs: St. 
Peter can tell you what that is. 

" I rejoice in your lot; I can see the hand 
of God in it. This is a token for good to 
us all. 

'^ Go, dear Mary, to your husband's house; 
and may the presence and blessing of the 
Lord go with you: I commend you to his 
holy keeping, with confidence. Faithful is 
He that hath promised, and He will do it. 
We shall have pledged our vows at the table 
of the Lord, at this interesting period: may 
this strengthen and animate our hearts to 
serve and trust him. On this day the Spi- 
rit was poured out on the primitive church 
with great power, — may we this day receive 
the earnest of his love in much simplicity. 

" Grace, peace, and mercy, be with my be- 
loved daughter, and with her affectionate fa- 
ther, Legh Richmond." 



148 LIFE OF 

Though it does not belong to the order of 
the narrative, it may be well here to remark 
that in July 1825, Mr. Richmond married his 
third daughter, Henrietta, to the Rev. John 
Ayre, his friend and curate, and the follow- 
ing are extracts from a series of admonitions 
which he addressed to her. 

'' 1. Keep a devoted heart to God in the 
least and most common transactions of every 
hour; as well as in those events which may 
seem to call the loudest for manifestation of 
religious conscience and principle. 

" 2. Pray regularly and frequently for 
grace to live and die by. 

"3. In every possible circumstance keep 
in mind that God's eye is upon you. 

" 4. Beware of forming hasty judgments 
of characters; and above all of hastily utter- 
ing sentiments and remarks to their dispar- 
agement. Be known for charity, forbearance, 
and kindness. 

'^ 5. Keep Christ's golden rule in constant 
remembrance. He is the panacea for most 
of the evils of this life, so far as they are con- 
nected with social intercourse. 

"6, Avoid all prejudices against nations, 
churches, sects, and parties. They are the 
bane of both public and private charity, and 
comfort; and are directly contrary to the spi- 
rit and letter of Christianity. You may and 



LEGH RICHMOND. 149 

ought to have conscientious, well-grounded 

Jirefereuces, but not one half-formed, ill- 
brmed prejudice against any. 

^'7. Be courteous to all, friendly with few, 
intimate with fewer, still strictly confiden- 
tial with fewest of all. 

" 8. Choose female intimates, as opportu- 
nities may present them, with circumspec- 
tion. Many civil, hospitable, agreeable peo- 
ple are, after all, not improving companions. 
We may owe and pay them the debt of civili- 
ty, kindness, and gratitude, and yet not be 
obliged to give them too much of our volun- 
tary time and aftection. Two or three truly 
christian women comprise a circle of large 
and profitable friendship — seek — and may 
you succeed in finding them. 

'* 9. Be not contented with any thing short 
of deep, devoted, diligent, decided serious- 
ness. Make not the too numerous half-heart- 
ed and decent, but dubious christians your 
pattern for imitation. Let your mark and 
standard be very high, and your aim be stea- 
dy and determinate. 

'^ 10. If you and your husband happen to 
differ in opinion and feeling upon any point, 
remember whom you have promised to love, 
honour, and obey. This will settle all things. 
'^ \\, I trust your heart is taught in the real 
school of Christ. Inquire with much prayer 
into this day by day. Trust not to past pri- 
N 2 



u 

150 LIFE OF 

vileges, education, or experience. Seek for 
present evidences, such as would comfort you 
under sudden alarms and distresses, should 
they occur. Study your own character and 
disposition, as drawn from a review of your 
whole past life; and often carry to the Lord, 
in prayer and confession, what results from 
such self-examination. 

''12. Study and observe great simplicity 
and plainness in dress. A clergyman's wife 
should be a pattern of simplicity in that parti- 
cular. It is a just outcry against too many pro- 
fessing females, that they are much too showy 
and gay in their outward apparel.— Remem- 
ber the apostie^s injunction on this important 
subject — ' Whose adorning, let it not be that 
outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of 
wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel 5 
but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in 
that which is not corruptible, even the orna- 
ment of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in 
the sight of God of great price.' 1 Pe/.iii.3,4. 

" 13. You are bidding farewell to your fa- 
ther's house, as the home of your infancy^ 
childhood, and youth — ^yet the remembrance 
of that home will be dear to you for life^ 
wherever your new home may be situated. 
I repeat — remember the religious principles 
of your father's house, at all times, and in all 
places; may they prove a guide to you in life, 
and a consolation in death. Christ has been 



LEGH RICHMOND. 151 

freely and fully made known to you. Let 
Christ be your a//, now — hereafter — forever! 

L. R." 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Illness of Mr. Richmond's son Wilber/orce, 

We now come to one of the most painful 
periods of Mr. Richmond's life — the illness 
of his son. — '* Symptoms of a consumptive 
nature had been gradually developing them- 
selves; and it was at length deemed highly 
expedient that he should visit Scotland, and 
be committed to the care of the Rev. James 
Marshal, his brother-in-law. It was hoped 
that the effects of a sea voyage, and change 
of air, and the benefit of Dr. S.'s advice, who 
had been remarkably successful in several in- 
stances of consumption, might possibly arrest 
the progress of this insidious disorder. 

'^Mr. Richmond did not, on this occasion, 
imitate the worldly prudence of some persons, 
who labour to conceal from patients the dan- 
ger of their state, and with a mistaken kind- 
ness prohibit the introduction of religious 
subjects, from fear of aggravating the disor- 
der. With a heart alive to the eternal inter- 
ests of his child, he addressed to him the fol 
lowing letters. May the perusal of them 



152 LIFE OF 

afford an instructive lesson to all who are 
placed under similar circumstances, and 
teach them never to forget, that ' one thing is 
needful' for others, as well as for themselves; 
and that the wisdom, which would endeavour 
to save the perishing body, at the risk of the 
immortal souljis an act of treachery the more 
criminal, in proportion as its consequences 
are irreparable and eternal."* 

" June 12, 1824. 

" My dear Boy, — I have, as I mentioned 
to you the other day, for some time wished 
to press upon your attention the important 
subject of the Lord's Supper; and, as in the 
case of each of your sisters, I found that 
some epistolary correspondence afforded a 
liberty and facility of communication in the 
first instance, 1 trust you will not object to 
adopting a similar mode. A time of relaxa- 
tion from your studies, and of indisposition, 
may afford you good opportunity for such a 
purpose. It will be exceedingly gratifying 
to me to receive some simple, faithful account 
of your state of mind, views, feelings, and 
desires in connexion with the privilege and 
duty of commemorating the dying love of 
Christ to sinners. I wish to receive you at 
the table of our Lord, both as your affection- 

* Grimshawe. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 15:5 

ate father in the flesh, and your still happier 
father in the spirit, with principles enlighten- 
ed, and heart warmed with a Saviour's mer- 
cies. Approach me thus, my beloved son, 
and write to me with a free, confidential 
heart. I feel the most lively interest in your 
spiritual welfare, far beyond what my ordi- 
nary manner may betray. — You are arrived 
at an age when I wish you to become my bo- 
som friend and companion in all things, but 
above all, in those things which belong to 
everlasting peace. I have sometimes feared 
that other subjects have somewhat monopo- 
lized your thoughts; and yet I have the firm- 
est hope that your mind is truly sensible of 
the value and importance of divine things. 
I trust you are constant in prayer, and that 
your affections are unfeignedly directed to- 
wards divine truth. I cannot express to you 
how much this belief comforts and strength- 
ens my mind. It is allied to every feel- 
ing and wish which I have so long and so 
anxiously cherished, in regard to your future 
character, as a minister of the gospel of 
Christ. None but God knows how intense 
my solicitude has been upon that point. It 
is high time that you should, by the open act 
of communion, devote yourself to the Re- 
deemer's service, and look upon it as a pledge 
for your inward principles, and outward prac- 
tice. You should attentively examine the 



154 LIFE OF 

sacramental service in the Liturgy, and al- 
ways have a book of experimental and devo- 
tional character, more or less, in private 
reading. It must ever be kept in remem- 
brance, that the mere literary discussional 
study of theology, however valuable and 
needful, is a distinct thing from the affection- 
ate work of the heart and the exercises of the 
conscience in the soul. I am earnest that 
my dear child should enjoy all the privileges 
of the church of Christ, and adorn them. 
Search for the evidences of a renewed heart 
daily; come as a lost, undone sinner, and may 
you taste that the Lord is gracious. Beware 
of the world's temptations and levities. We 
should all feel that time is short, and eternity 
at hand, and be prepared accordingly. The 
regular partaking of the Lord's Supper, when 
rightly viewed, has a tendency to cherish the 
best affections of the soul, and to preserve 
both young and old from the dangerous delu- 
sions of the world, the flesh, and Satan. Let 
the communication of these thoughts excite 
you to self-examination, meditation, and 
prayer. My love and regard for you are 
great indeed; my own heart is wrapt up in 
the prosperity oi yours. May all your stu- 
dies be sanctified to the glory of God. May 
you now enjoy a portion of those pleasures, 
which are at God's right hand for ever- 
more. — 'The blood of Christ cleanseth from 



LEGH RICHMOND. 155 

all sin.' How delightful a thought for you 
and for — Your affectionate father, 

^'Legh Richmond." 

" June 22, 1824. 

" My very dear Child, — I present you 
with this book, for the express purpose of 

Jrour keeping a journal and diary, not mere- 
y of passing events, as they may occur, but 
of the thoughts of your heart upon divine 
things. I earnestly entreat you to do this: 
I recommend it, from long experience, as a 
most beneficial exercise. It is perfectly se- 
cret to yourself and God. No one can ever 
see it without your own knowledge and con- 
sent. But such records have been so useful, 
so consolatory, and so improving, that I make 
it my paternal entreaty that you will comply 
with this request. Suspended in uncertainty 
with regard to your health and strength, my 
soul is most anxious for your spiritual good. 
Trifle not, delay not in this matter. Press 
forward to the mark and prize of your high 
calling. Review the past thoughts of your 
heart, — examine the present, — anticipate the 
future. You are in God's hands. I trust the 
everlasting arms are underneath you. Let 
me entreat you to open your mind also to me, 
in frequent correspondence. I cannot ex- 
press my solicitude for your spiritual wel- 
fare. You know all the principles by which 



156 LIFE OF 

a sinner may be saved; you have known 
them from your infancy; may they be the or- 
nament of your youth. Rest short of nothing 
but a well-grounded conviction of your per- 
sonal interest in Christ. There is a rich pro- 
vision in him for every possible difficulty and 
deficiency which can present itself to your 
thoughts. Oh, how does my heart burn to 
see you, in every sense of the word, a true 
christian. In a former note, I invited you 
to the Lord's table. Happy, thrice happy 
shall I be to see you there, added to the num- 
ber of the Lord's flock. 

" Since writing the above, I have received 
yours; I thank you from my heart. Go on, 
as your strength and opportunities will allow, 
by a little at a time; but give me as much of 
your thoughts and feelings as you can. Tell 
me of your past years, and early leadings and 
convictions; tell me more of those things 
which you have named in former letters. 
You cannot oblige me more, than by giving 
me the history of your heart at various 
periods. I have known too little of you, 
my dear child. Let that ignorance on my 
part cease. I have loved you from your 
birth, and watched over you till now, with 
the tenderest affections, but I feel my own 
deficiency in not communing more with you 
on the state of your mind in the sight of God. 
Comfort me now by frequent intercourse on 



LEGH RICHMOND. 157 

these matters. It is the very return of all 
others which I desire for all the past anxie- 
ties of a father and a minister. May this 
journey be blessed to you both in soul and 
body. 1 trust soon, with God's blessing, to 
see you again. In the mean time, I com- 
mend you to Him wlio has all events in his 
hands, whose consolations are neither few nor 
small, who gave his Son to die for your sins, 
and whose compassions fail not. Be much 
in prayer and self-examination. The God 
of the waves shall protect and guard you; 
the God of the land shall comfort you. But 
seek him aright: trifle not with the great 
concern. How joyfully shall I welcome you 
at the Lord's table, if God so will. Adieu 
for the present, my child, my friend, and, in 
Christ, my brother. 

^'Legh Richmond.'' 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Continuation of Mr. Richmond's Letters to his son 
Wilberforce^ during his last illness, 

"My ever dear Son, — I thank you for 
your letter, and am glad to hear again from 
Mr. Marshall, that you have borne your tra- 
vels so far well. You are never out of my 
thoughts, and I follow you in imagination 
o 



h 



158 LIFE OT 

through every scene of your occupation. But 
there is an eye that beholds and watches over 
you, in a way that 1 cannot do. To Him I 
confide and commend you, for sickness and 
health, for time and eternity. What a word, 
what a thought is eternity ! What prospects 
does it set before us! What inconceivable 
mysteries are involved in it! How does it 
make the things of time dwindle into insigni- 
ficance ! But what questions of unspeakable 
import are involved in it! Sin, corrupt na- 
ture, a broken law, an offended God, eternal 
punishment; conscience, guilt, regeneration, 
salvation by Christ; faith, hope, love, free 
grace, undeserved mercy, justification, adop- 
tion into God's family, pardon of sin, conso- 
lation in Christ, heaven and glory. These, 
and a thousand accompaniments, are all con- 
nected with the idea, and the reality of eter- 
nity. What a sad proof of the depravity of 
our hearts, is our indifference towards think- 
ing, and our backwardness towards speaking 
upon those things which belong to our ever- 
lasting peace; and which, nevertheless, if ne- 
glected, involve our eternal ruin. We need 
warnings, and the Lord sends them in many 
ways. Sickness, pain, bereavements, losses, 
disappointments, all bring their message with 
them. The great question between a soul 
and God is not whether we admit the truths 
of the Scripture into our understandings, but 



LEGH RICHMOND. 159 

whether they are so applied to our hearts as to 
have tvrought a change^ and become vital 
principles of faith and practice. Nothing 
short of this can afford evidence of a saved 
and safe condition. There is an action of the 
soul by which it rests upon Christ, and all 
that he has done, with full confidence^ and 
this produces peace in the conscience. The 
more we see of ourselves, the more we see 
our sin; and the more we see our sin, the 
more w^e fly to the death and righteousness 
of Christ for pardon, deliverance, and hope. 
We behold not only his sufficiency, but nis 
willingness to save the chief of sinners. For 
this we love him; and if we love him, we de- 
sire and endeavour to keep his command- 
ments; and this is the way of salvation. 

^' Now, does my dear boy view this in all 
its integrity i Do the experiences of the 
past, strengthened by all the variety and suc- 
cession of instruction which you have from 
your infancy received, work together to this 
great end } Can you be satisfied with any 
thing short of this } God forbid ! Let no- 
thing interrupt you in this continual work 
of self-examination; and let self-examination 
lead you to earnest and ardent prayer. Let 
no pursuits of literature, no delights of sense, 
no passing occurrences, no debility of body, 
no inferior subjects of recreation, prevent 
you from keeping your thoughts close to God 



160 LIFE OF 

and to eternity. Great have been your mer- 
cies, may your gratitude be great likewise 1 

'' Accustomed as I am to close and faith- 
ful dealings with my christian friends and 
flock, it would ill become me to be silent or 
indifterent where my dearly beloved child is 
concerned. Sickness gives both you and me 
a w holesome admonition. I pray God, from 
the depths of my heart, that we may each of 
us improve it to our spiritual welfare.^ God 
may have great things to accomplish hereby : 
let us believe and hope so. 

''I had much pleasure in showing you 
London; and if Providence permit, may yet 
have more, in viewing the fine scenery, in 
your present vicinity, along with you: but 
whether amongst the beauties of art or nature, 
never, never cease to look for and contem- 
plate the God both of creation and redemp- 
tion in the midst of all. Keep a continual 
watch over your disposition, temper, and 
thoughts. There are not only sins of the 
temper, but of the understanding also; and 
pride in every form, intellectual as well as 
sensual, must be brought low. ' Learn of 
me,' said the Saviour, 'for I am meek and 
lowly of heart.' I write, as I would talk with 
and pray for you. May this dispensation of 
the Almighty, which has for the present se- 
parated us, and given us cause for much 
anxiety on your account, be a season of much 



LEGH RICHMOND. 161 

profit to US all ! Lay these things to heart, 
make them the subject of unceasing petition 
at that throne, whence no believing suppli- 
cants are ever sent empty av^ay. Wonder 
not that I cannot rest contented with a su- 
perficial religion, but that I look for a deeply 
experimental life of God in your soul. I 
place time and eternity before me in holy 
imagination. I strive, as it were, to pene- 
trate the veil which separates them, and to 
look earnestly at those things which belong 
to your and my everlasting peace. Forgive 
me, my dear child, and may God forgive me, 
if I have not always and equally pressed 
these subjects upon your personal attention. 
They have ever lain near to my heart, and 
you have had multiplied opportunities of 
meditating upon them. I trust you have done 
so. But let me know more and more of 
your thoughts, past and present. My chris- 
tian and parental peace is dependent greatly 
upon it. I am glad that our friend Dr. Stew- 
art has had so good an opportunity of study- 
ing your case. You are in the Lord's hands. 
May he overrule every thing for your good. 
May our confidence be placed only where it 
is due; and pray for your father, and your 
father shall pray for you. Amongst the books 
in your travelling library, are many most 
valuable authors. Read, mark, learn, and 
inwardly digest what they say, so far as you 
o 2 



162 LIFE OF 

find time and strength to peruse them. Above 
all, search the Scriptures, for in them you 
have eternal life. Your mother sends her 
entire and most affectionate love to you: 
your sisters and brothers the same. And 
what shall I add for myself? All that is ten- 
der, affectionate, parental, and christian, — 
From your father, " L. R." 

'* My dear Wilberforce, — We have so long 
been fellow-travellers and pilgrims together, 
and my eye and my heart have been so long 
accustomed to watch over you, that X cannot 
help wishing to indulge my affectionate feel- 
ings, by giving you a few lines during this 
short separation, which, short as it \ns> been, 
never ceases to present my dear boy to ima • 
gination and recollection. I have reason to 
think, and perhaps the fault is my own, that 
you are but imperfectly aware of m^ strong 
and anxious feelings toward you, with respect 
both to your temporal and spiritual ^eiia,re. 
I sometimes fancy I see this in your naanner, 
and it hurts me. I say little, or pr<>bably 
nothing; but my heart is alive to great sensibili- 
ties. Rest assured, my much-loved child, that 
at all past periods, but most especially since 
it has pleased God to put your health, and of 
course with it your life, to so marked a tn^i, 
1 have not ceased for a single hour (and I can 
hardly except the dreaming hours of the 



LEGH RICHMOXD. 165 

night,) to make your comfort and prosperity 
the subject of my prayers and solicitude. 
When you may least have suspected it from 
my ordinary manner, even my silence has 
spoken to God in ^our behalf. Many and 
deep have been my meditations, as we ascend- 
ed the hills, and descended the vales of Scot- 
land; or as we ploughed the waters with our 
prows and paddles. I have often experienced 
a kind of stupid impotency of utterance, 
when my heart has been animated and full. 
You likewise manifest a sort of reserve on 
the subject of personal religion, which checks, 
and sometimes chills, my rising inclination 
to more unreserved, free, congenial, and 
comfortable conversation. I wish all this to 
vanish; and that whatever may be the will of 
God concerning you, the future days which 
his providence may permit us mutually to 
spend together, may be more distinctly mark- 
ed by free and affectionate communications. 
But far, far above all, it is my cherished and 
anxious hope that you may evince an increas- 
ing love to spiritual things, to reading, con- 
versing, and meditating upon the things which 
belong to your everlasting peace. Y ou have 
had your warning as to the delicate and pre- 
carious tenure by which life, health, and 
youthful vigour are held. Every day and 
hour still reminds you of the uncertainty of 
all things future, so far as this world is con- 



164 LIFE OF 

cerned. And such warnings are unspeaka- 
ble mercies, designed by God for the most 
wise and benevolent purposes. 

''The season of amended health, and pre- 
sent suspension of painful and distressing 
symptoms is precisely that in which your 
heart should exercise a peculiar jealousy over 
itself, lest the comparative trifles of this 
world, and the ensnaring affections of the 
flesh, should deaden your feelings about the 
grand question, ' What are the evidences of 
my salvation ? What have I done, what must 
I do to be saved ?' Other studies than those 
directly religious, may^ doubtless, have their 
due and subordinate place. Other books 
than the Holy Scriptures and their exposi- 
tions, may also have their moderated share 
of our attention; but if any human study, or 
any human book, has more of our love and 
attention, than those which directly lead our 
hearts to God, something must be very wrong. 
Idols force themselves upon our notice every 
where, and lawful things may become idols 
by the abuse of them, and the suffering them 
to usurp the first place in the heart's affec- 
tions. Never be contented with slight and 
general hopes of all being right within, but seek 
and strive after clear, and particular evi- 
dences, that you ' know w^hom you have trust- 
ed,' for time and eternity. I earnestly en- 
treat you to examine yourself daily on scrip- 



LEGH RICHMOJfD. 165 

tural principles, that you may the more 
ardently throw yourselif on the mercy of a 
covenant God for the forgiveness of your 
sins, the renovation of your heart, and the 

Guidance of your judgment. Never be satis- 
ed with an avowedly imperfect Christianity. 
A half christian is no christian, nor is he ac- 
cepted of God. Christ is a whole, perfect, and 
finished Saviour; and whosoever is a partaker 
of Christ, is a partaker of all that he is, all 
that he has done, and all that he will do, for 
the complete salvation of all his chosen. De- 
cency, formality, and cold ceremonial wor- 
ship are poor and inefficacious substitutes for 
heart-service, holy affections, trust in a Sa- 
viour, and love to God. Not unfrequent are 
the times, and your dear mother often expe- 
riences them also, when the immensity of 
that question, ' Am I his, or am I not .^' over- 
whelms me; and 1 should sink in despondency 
if the pure, undeserved, and inexpressible 
mercy of God did not direct my soul to the 
Redeemer's blood, which, when believed in, 
and applied to the guilty and trembling con- 
science, cleanseth from all sin, and opens the 
door to hope and consolation. May my be- 
loved child flee to the same fountain, with 
genuine humiliation, and find the like deli- 
verance: and may his anxious parents be 
made so far partakers of his thoughts, as to 
feel strong in the Lord on his account. My 



166 LIFE OF 

mind was much affected when I first receiv- 
ed you at the table of the Lord, and my 
heart went out in lively prayer, that you 
might also be received of God — owned, ho- 
noured, and accepted, as a child of heaven. 
Live, speak, and act as a consistent chris- 
tian; the vows of the Lord are upon you; 
but if ail be right, you will find that his yoke 
is easy, and his burden light. I wish to look 
upon you, not only as my child by nature, 
but as my spiritual child, and therefore (with- 
out a paradox,) my spiritual brother. Sweet 
associations of relationship are formed in the 
family of God and the household of faith. 
Many tender and affectionate prayers have 
been daily offered up for you amongst the 
poor people of Turvey, as I have several tes- 
timonies to prove. We shall soon return to 
them again, God willing; and may those 
prayers, united to my own, be fully answer- 
ed in the gracious state of your soul, as well 
as in the comfort of your bodily health. But 
we must, as to the latter, await the Lord's 
will. He doeth, and will do all things well. 
Meditate on these things, and may you and 
I mutually reap the benefit of such exercises 
of your heart. As you read this letter, che- 
rish a tender as well as k dutiful sentiment 
toward him who penned it, and accept it as 
one more token of that deep-seated love 
which I bear towards you, and which must 



LEGH RICHMOND. 167 

increasingly subsist, while / remain a father, 
and you a son. 

"I yesterday enjoyed the high mental 
luxury of walking in the broad aisle of York 
Minster, quite alone, during the morning 
service. As often before, such sights and 
such sounds compelled me to weep; and as 
1 was solitary, nothing interrupted the flow 
of my heart. I recollected being there once 
with you, and I have not forgotten how 
much, if I mistake not, your infant heart 
was also affected at that time. Whether we 
shall ever again meet together in that magni- 
ficent and astonishing fabric, I know not; 
but, oh ! may God grant that we finally meet 
in the ' house not made with hands, eternal 
in the heavens.' " 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Death of Mr, Richmond's son Wilberforce, 

Mr. Richmond was now on the eve of a 
severe affliction. His son Wilberforce, to 
whom the faithful letters contained in the 
last two chapters had been addressed, was 
about to be called from time into eternity. 
His journey had not had the desired effect, 
and he returned to Turvey vrithout any hope 



168 LIFE OF 

of recovery from that wasting disease, con- 
sumption, which regularly carries so many 
witli flattering alternations of hope, yet to 
certain dissolution. He died in the full tri- 
umphs of the gospel, on the l6th of January, 
1825. To his father this was indeed a heavy 
aflliction. He saw this tender flower nipped 
in its bud, and all his own fond hopes pros- 
trated to the very earth. The following let- 
ter to his son-in-law. Rev. James Marshall, 
shows the holy resignation of Mr. Richmond, 
as well as the piety of the departed youth. 

Turvey, Jan. 25, 1825. 

*'My much-loved Son, — Amidst many ar- 
duous struggles between nature and grace, 
sorrow and joy, anxiety and consolation, 1 
wish to express a few of my feelings towards 
you. A very few^ they must be, compared 
with the volume of emotions which agitate 
my heart. But thanks be to God, grace, 
peace, and mercy have been so abundantly 
inscribed upon the whole of this aftecting 
transaction, that I ought solely to be occu- 
pied in songs of praise to God, for all his 
goodness to me and mine. The delightful 
enlargement of heart, the liberty of tongue, 
the humiliation of soul, the affectionate ten- 
derness, the sweet serenity of mind, the dig- 
nity of sentiment, the laboriously acquired 
intimacy with the Scriptures, the earnestneiss 



LEGH RICHMOND. 169 

to speak to, exhort, and comfort each and 
every individual, the devotional spirit, the 
clearness of doctrinal views, and their bless- 
ed application in imparting solid peace and 
comfort, in the prospect of dying, all of 
which illustrated and adorned his latter end, 
were beyond my most sanguine expectation: 
it was, and shall be, matter for joy and gra- 
titude. 

*' We have now found letters, some of 
them near four years old, and others written 
while he was in Scotland, beautifully descrip- 
tive of his state of mind; while the conver- 
sations—close, deep, and searching — which 
I enjoyed with him during the last fortnight, 
produced the most convincing demonstrations 
that he had been ripening for glory, beyond 
our thoughts and imagination. For a season, 
he was reserved towards me, relative to per- 
sonal feelings; but at length, of his own ac- 
cord, he broke out like the sun from behind 
a cloud, and light diffused itself over the 
whole moral and spiritual landscape. 

" It was gratifying to me to find that the 
humiliation of his spirit was precisely such as 
I particularly wished to see it. For four or 
five days previous to the arrival of my wife 
and Fanny, Grod so mercifully ordered it, 
that he said every thing to me, and I to him, 
which I could possibly have wished. Our 
whole souls, on almost every topic of feeling, 



17t) LIFE OF 

opinion, confidence, faitliful dealing, and un- 
reserved affection, were mutually opened. 
Oh ! they were sweet days. The pressure of 
weakness, disease, and pain often afterwards 
interrupted our lengthened communications; 
but sweeter and brighter still were the inter- 
vals of ease and short conversation. Many 
witnessed his lovely testimonies, and none 
can ever forget them. 

'' Two hours and a half before his death, 
he went to bed, and laid his head upon the 
pillow. 1 said to him — 'So he giveth his be- 
loved rest.' He replied, 'Yes, and sweet 
indeed is the rest which Christ gives. ' He 
never awoke from this sleep: but when we 
dreaded, from past examples, a painful 
waking, he imperceptibly went off, in perfect 
peace, without a sigh, or groan, or struggle, 
or even opening of the eye. I did not sup- 
pose it possible for any death to be such as 
this. Peace, rest, gentleness, faith, hope, 
and love, all seemed to be the characteristics 
of his mind and of his dissolution. Oh ! what 
love, what mercy, what grace ! 

''One of the most remarkable circum- 
stances attending him was, his secret and deep 
exercise of heart and study of the Scriptures, 
beyond my own supposition, owing to his 
reserve and silence. I saw much that I loved 
and admired, but I was not aware of tlie 
half. Our feelings are much tried, in pro- 



LEGH RICHMOXD. 171 

portion to the endearing nature of our past 
and recent intercourse. But as he often 
said, ' I know whom I have trusted,' and this 
relieves and consoles me. He was deeply 
impressed with the idea that his removal was 
designed for the spiritual good of otliers. I 
think it is manifest already, in more instances 
than one. 

''The whole village has been much in 
prayer and weeping, for some weeks past, 
and the tenderest affections have prevailed 
throughout: it is a season of much love. 

''On Sunday, Mr. Ayre vnW. preach a fu- 
neral sermon, for our dear boy; and a beauti- 
ful hymn of Bishop Heber will be sung by 
the congregation. 

" Give my tenderest love to dear Mary. 
Comfort her heart; and may the peace of 
God, which passeth all understanding, keep 
her and your heart. Legh Richmond." 

'* To the Rev. James MarshdV^ 



CHAPTER XXVI. , 

Further particulars of Mr. Richmond's son JVugent. 

In a preceding chapter we have stated that 
tliis son of Mr. Richmond did not turn out so 
well as might have been anticipated. It will 



172 LIFE OF 

be remembered that he went to sea contrary 
to the wislies of his father — and that there was 
a false rumour of his loss by shipwreck. After 
some considerable time he was further heard 
of, and at last under circumstances which in- 
dicated a decided change in his feelings. He 
died on shipboard while on a voyage to the 
Mauritius; and when the vessel returned to 
Calcutta, a little ivory box was discovered, 
containing a few jewels, &c. on the inside 
of which was written, in his own hand, in pen- 
cil, just before his death — 

" Where vice has held its empire long, 
'Twill not endure the least control ; 
None but a power divinely strong 
Can turn the current of the soul. 

Great God I I own thy power divine. 
That works to change this heart of mine 1 
I would be form'd anew, and bless 
The wonders of renewing grace." 

In relation to this subject, Mr. Richmond 
wrote the following letter to his daughter, 
Mrs. Marshall. 

^' My ever dear daughter, — The circum- 
stances attendant upon our dear Nugent's 
end are few and simple. You are aware 
what a long series of favourable accounts of 
his general behaviour we have had from a va- 
riety of quarters. You should know, that 



LEGH RICHMOND. ITS 

from at least five religious friends I have re- 
ceived highly satisfactory testimonies of his 
religious feelings and principles, although he 
was modest and reserved in speaking of him- 
self. I had much information while I was 
visiting his most intimate friend, Mr. Bailey, 
in the Isle of Wight, (l-aie of Gibraltar,) 
whose little baby was christened Mercy Nu- 
gent Richmond. The time of his shipwreck 
seemed to have been one of special prayer 
and impression. He lost his all. He how- 
ever recruited in some degree; and was en- 
gaged to be married to an amiable and pious 
young lady. He took a short voyage, and 
on his return found that she had died of a fe- 
ver. His spirits never recovered that shock. 
He was afterwards appointed commander of 
a vessel to England. The day before she 
sailed, he fell out of a gig, was confined to 
bed, and lost the opportunity. Twice after- 
wards he was similarly disappointed. At 
length he sailed in a ship bound for the Mau- 
ritius, from whence he intended to have pro- 
ceeded to England. 

" Previous to this last voyage he had an 
attack of fever, and went through a severe 
course of medicine. At the beginning of the 
voyage, meeting with a heavy gale, he had 
much laborious service. In the course of a 
very short time he became ill, and was not 
unfrequently delirious, but still did not ex- 
p 2 



174 LIFE OF 

cite ideas of immediate danger. One night 
he went to bed at twelve o'clock, and the 
next morning at six, to the grief and sur- 
prise of all on board, was found dead in his 
cabin. The ship proceeded to the Mauritius; 
and it was not until her return to Calcutta, 
that our excellent and kind friend, the Rev. 
Mr. Thomason, received the news, and his 
packages, papers, &c. He left, out of the 
scanty store preserved from the wreck of the 
Oracabessa, 100 rupees to general charitable 
purposes; 50 to the Bible Society; 50 to the 
Church Missionary Society; 50 to the Society 
for promoting Christian Knowledge; and 50 
to the Religious Tract Society. A rupee is 
about 25. 6c?. His aflections for his relatives 
were very strong. His principles of honour- 
able conduct, integrity, pecuniary accuracy, 
official diligence, kind manners, and moral 
deportment were exemplary. He lived in 
much esteem, and died much beloved. Dear 
boy! He was snatched from our embraces 
at the hour of his returning to them. He is 
buried in the depths of the ocean. But the 
sea shall give up her dead, and I trust he 
will then appear a living soul." 



*^ We suspend for a moment the course of 
this narative to indulge in a few brief reflec- 
tions. We have now seen Mr. Richmond 
exercised by severe and successive afflictJoixs^, 



LEGH RICHMOND. 175 

commencing about the year 1814, and con- 
tinuing, with only occasional intervals, to 
the close of life itself. The coincidence of 
these trials with his signal usefulness, is wor- 
thy of observation. We notice this fact, be- 
cause it seems to us to illustrate the dealings 
of God's providence in his government of his 
church and people. True christians are sel- 
dom long exempted from a state of trial ; and 
the history of the church of Christ abounds 
with evidences in confirmation of this re- 
mark. The year 1814 was the commence- 
ment of Mr. Richmond's »reat popularity 
and extensive usefulness, wnich succeeding 
years rather increased than diminished. It 
was also the period of painful domestic anxie- 
ty, as it regarded his eldest son, Nugent, 
and the dangerous illness of a beloved wife. 
After the interval of a few years, he is again 
exercised by the intelligence of his eldest 
son's supposed loss and shipwreck. A short 
time elapses, when his second son, Wilber- 
force, a boy distinguished by early grace and 
talents, to whom he fondly looked with the 
most anxious expectation, declines in health, 
and sinks into the grave. Scarcely had a few 
short months expired, when the rumour of 
his eldest son's death reaches him, a rumour 
soon confirmed by the event. And yet in 
each case mercy rejoices over judgment, and 
death is swallowed up in victory. What 



176 LIFE OF 

then IS the moral lesson conveyed by these 
dispensations ? We learn that trial is usually 
allotted to extensive usefulness; because, 
such is the infirmity of our nature, that suc- 
cess is not good for man; and therefore, to 
restrain the exuberances of pride and of self- 
complacency, God, in his wisdom, sees fit to 
send the necessary corrective, that no flesh 
may glory in his sight; that the instrument 
may be kept lowly and humble, and its graces 
be preserved and augmented. ^ Every branch 
that beareth fruit he purgeth it^ that it may 
bring forth more fruit. ' — John xv. 2. He 
further designs to teach us that this is not 
our rest; and that in proportion as we are 
weaned from earthly objects of endear- 
ment, and are able to concentrate all our 
aftections upon him, we bear the impress 
of Kis pure and holy image, and are more 
fitted for the enjoyment of his presence. 
Man is apt to estimate events by their refer- 
ence to time: God governs his dispensations 
by their reference to eternity. 

" How justly may we apply the following 
impressive remarks of Lord Bacon: ' O Lord, 
my strength, I have since my youth met with 
thee in all my ways, by thy fatherly compas- 
sions, by thy comfortable chastisements, and 
by thy most visible providence. As thy fa- 
vours have increased upon me, so have thy 
corrections; so as thou hast been always near 



LEGH RICHMOND. 177 

me, O Lord! and ever as my worldly bless- 
ings were exalted, so secret darts from thee 
have pierced me; and when I have ascended 
before men, I have descended in humiliation 
before thee. And now, when I thought most 
of peace and honour, thy hand is heavy upon 
me, and hath humbled me according to thy 
former loving kindness, keeping me still in 
thy fatherly school, as a child. Just are thy 
judgments upon me for my sins, which are 
more in number than the sands of the sea, 
but have no proportion to thy mercies; for 
what are the sands of tlie sea, earth, hea- 
vens, and all these are nothing to thy mer- 
cies. Be merciful unto me, 0, Lord ! for my 
Saviour's sake, and receive me into thy bo- 
som, or guide me in thy ways.' "* 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Closing Scene. 

hx drawing to a close the life of such a de- 
voted servant of the Lord, as he was to whom 
this memoir has, as it were, been consecra- 
ted, we feel that we are treading upon hal- 
lowed ground. There is something trans- 
cendently sublime in the death scene of one 

* Grimshawe. 



178 LIFE OF 

whose whole life has been one series of self- 
sacrifices for the salvation of souls, and the ad- 
vancement of the interests of the Redeemer's 
kingdom. — Under all circumstances, '^ the 
chamber where the good man meets his fate, "is 
a place highly privileged; and it is a rich feast 
of spiritual delights to a real Christian, while 
lie watches the death scene of an heir of 
glory, feels the last pressure of the hand, 
catches the last radiance of the eye, as it 
fades into the brighter glories of eternity, 
and hears, even though it but breathes from 
the lip, the rapturous truth, " death is swal- 
lowed up in victory." 

The detail of the closing events of Mr. 
Richmond's mortal career, are so deeply in- 
teresting, that we shall feel ourselves as con- 
ferring an obligation on our readers, rather 
than imposing a task, to be more copious than 
on any part of his previous life. The last 
hours of a Christian are hours of faithful in- 
struction, and should be most diligently im- 
proved by all to whom the account may 
come; for every reader may in a measure be 
considered as liimself a witness of the scene, 
and responsible for the use which he makes 
of the solemn lesson thus placed before him. 

In the present chapter we shall offer the 
remarks of Mr. Grimshawe, on some circum- 
stances just previous to the actual confine- 
ment of Mr. Richmond, and follow these by a 



LEGH RICHMOND. 179 

letter from the Rev. T. Fry. We shall then 
in the next chapter, give the more particular 
details. Mr. Grimshawe observes : — 

" We are now drawing to the close of the 
life and ministry of this excellent man, whose 
labours were singularly attended with the 
blessing of God to the end. The last two 
Sundays on which he preached, were in the be- 
ginning of March, 1 827. On the former of those 
occasions, a person attended the church, who, 
having taken some oftence, had secretly made 
a rash resolve never to enter it. He was 
both thoughtless and dissolute, and a bitter 
persecutor of religion in those who professed 
it; but on this day was constrained, by cir- 
cumstances that need not be mentioned, to 
alter his determination. The text of the ser- 
mon was taken from Psalm li. 10, * Create 
in me a clean heart, God, and renew a 
right spirit within me.' Sharper than a two- 
edged sword is the word of God; and in its 
application by the power of the Spirit to this 
poor man, it proved ' to be the hammer that 
breaketh the rock in pieces. ' He confessed 
that immediately on his return home, he fell 
for the first time on his knees, and with cry- 
ing and tears poured forth the strong emotion 
of his heart, in the language of the publican, 
^ God be merciful to me a sinner.' 

The next Sunday Mr. Richmond's ser- 
mons were particularly solemn. In the 



180 LIFE OF 

Tnoming he preached from Col, iii. 2; 'Set 
your aftection on things above.' And this 
address was directed to the true disciple for 
his comfort and confirmation. In the after- 
noon he preached from Psalm cxix. 52, 53. 
«I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord, 
and have comforted myself. Horror hath 
taken hold upon me, because of the wicked 
that forsake thy law.' This sermon was an 
awful and solemn appeal to the consciences 
of unawakened sinners. It M^as remarked 
by a person going out of church; ' this 
sounds as if it came from the lips of a dying 
man.' 
"From this time the disorder visibly increas- 
ed : Mr. Richmond caught a fresh cold, and 
could only speak in a whisper. It was, never- 
theless, with some difficulty that he was re- 
strained from being carried to the church; 
but he never more left his house, and soon 
became sensible that his beloved flock would 
* see his face no more. ' A gloom of sorrow 
overspread the parish, and ' prayer was made 
without ceasing of the church unto God, ' for 
his recovery. But the time was come when 
he was to enter into his rest. Few of his 
brethren had the privilege of conversing with 
him at this time, and the editor being abroad, 
on account of his own health, had no oppor- 
tunity of any personal interview, during the 
season of his final illness. The last interview 



LEGH RICHMOND. 181 

which he enjoye«l with his esteemed friend, 
was in the preceding autumn. Little did he 
think, at that time, that they parted to meet 
no more!-' 

The following letter supplies some interest- 
ing details on the closing scene of life: 

'' My dear Friend, — I unite with you and 
the neighbourhood, in deeply lamenting the 
decease of our much-valued friend, the late 
Mr. Richmond. Every day and occasion 
will remind us of our loss. He was indeed 
a bond of union in all our meetings, both 
public and private, we bowed to his autho- 
rity, for he had an excellent judgment, and 
his fine temper never failed to diffuse a kind 
and brotherly feeling among us. It was the 
spontaneous remark of every one who had any 
acquaintance with him, ^You have only to 
know Legh Richmond to love liim. ' 

'' My interview with him a few days before 
his death, concerning which you desired to 
be informed, was highly interesting, though I 
have but few particulars to communicate. 

Mr. Richmond had been declining in health 
for the last two years. A visible alteration 
took place in him after the death of his son 
Wilberforce. The intensity of his feelings 
was at all times disproportionate to his 
strength; and some things, especially his dear 
boy's removal, seemed to lay hold of him 



182 LIFE OF 

with a degree of poignancy which he himself, in 
common with his friends, greatly regretted. He 
felt, and expressed resignation and thankful- 
ness in the event; yet it was evident to us all 
that his frame had received an irreparable 
injury. 

'' His brethren saw little of him during the 
last few months of his life. He continued 
the regular performance of the duties of his 
parish till within a few weeks of his death, 
and we did not apprehend that he was so 
soon to be taken from us. 

'' In his confinement, he shrunk from all 
intercourse beyond the circle of his own 
family. 

''After making repeated , inquiries about 
his state of health, and rec^eiving very un- 
satisfactory answers, I consulted his medi- 
cal attendant, whose report determined me 
to lose no time in seeking an interview. Of 
his spiritual state there could be no doubt; 
but I thought if, like his family, he felt per- 
suaded of his recovery, it might be important 
on many accounts that he should be apprized 
of his approaching end. 

'' I wished, among other things, to induce 
him to use his influence with the patron of 
the living in the appointment of a suitable 
successor. We had a conversation of some 
length on this subject, and which I regretted 
when I perceived how greatly it exhausted his 



LEGH RICHMOND. 183 

weak and shattered frame, and disabled him 
from entering on matters of still deeper inter- 
est. I was anxious to hear his dying testimony 
to the great truths he had so long taught, and 
80 strikingly exemplified by a consistent and 
holy conduct. The idea too, that a friend- 
ship which had suffered no interruption for 
more than twenty years, endeared by the re- 
membrance of his judicious advice and affec- 
tionate sympathy in my hours of trial and 
affliction, was soon to be dissolved, gave a 
solemn and affecting interest to this inter- 
view, and 1 longed to express my gratitude, 
as well as to be quickened and confirmed by 
his dying counsels. 

" An opportunity offered, and I said, ' Dear 
brother, I owe you much love, and am pained 
to be the messenger of evil tidings. Still I 
cannot think it right to withhold from you my 
apprehension of the dangerous nature of your 
disease.' 'I know it, brother,' he replied, 
* seven months ago I was well satisfied from 
whence this cough came; that it was a mes- 
senger from above. I knew what it meant — 
but I cannot talk: F , do you talk.' 

" I had scarcely resumed the conversation, 
wdth a remark on the immense value and im- 
portance of our principles, when he raised 
himself upright in his chair, and with great 
solemnity of manner, said, ' Brother, we are 
only half awake — we are none of us more 



184 

than half awake. ' He seemed unable to pro- 
ceed, for his feebleness was extreme, and to 
relieve him I began again; but he made ano- 
ther eftbrt. ' The enemy, as our poor people 
would say, has been very busy with me. I 
have been in gi'eat darkness — a strange 
thought has passed through my mind — it is 
all delusion. Brother, brother, strong evi- 
dences, nothing but strong evidences will do 
at such an hour as this. 1 have looked here 
and looked there for them — all have failed 
me — and so I cast myself on the sovereign, 
free, and full grace of God in the covenant 
by Christ Jesus; and there, brother, (looking 
at me with a smile of tranquillity quite inde- 
scribable, and which I shall never forget,) 
there I have found peace. ' 

'^\ could utter nothing in reply. My 
heart was quite full. I grasped his hand, and 
left him, with a promise of a speedy return, 
musing on the similarity of his experience 
with that expressed by Hooker, a favourite 
with us both, ^ To name merits^ then^ is to 
lay their souls upon the rack; the memory of 
their own deeds is loathsome to them; they 
forsake all things wherein they have put any 
trust or confidence — no staff to lean upon^ no 
ease^ no rest^ no comfort then^ but only in Je- 
sus Christ,^* 



* Hooker, in his Sermon on Justification. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 185 

" There are, doubtless, many persons who 
would feel surprise at the particulars which I 
have related, and might even be disposed to 
ascribe our dear friend's distress of mind to a 
cause very remote from the trutli. Those 
who know notliing of indwelling sin, whose 
standard is low, and whose apprehension of 
the law of God is far from spiritual, cannot 
possibly enter into the feelings of a man, 

' Who evil felt within, 
And when he felt it, heaved a sigh, 
^nd loathed the thought of sin.' 

*' To me it appears that our friend's dis- 

Eensation was peculiarly fitted to preserve 
im from those feelings of self-complacency 
to which his extensive usefulness, and the 
singular honour which God had put on his 
ministry, would not fail to expose him. ' I 
never knew,' said the late Mr. R. of York, 
' more than one person who was not injured 
by success.' Therefore, we may esteem 
every dispensation merciful, however painful, 
which teaches the salutary lesson, <^Let no 
man glory in men; but he that glorieth^ let 
him glory in the Lord. ' 

''A conversation I had with Mrs. Rich- 
mond, after her husband's decease, confirm- 
ed my views on this subject. When I told 
her what had passed between us, she said, ' I 
can explain the meaning of these conflicts. I 
q2 



186 LIFE OF 

had latterly often observed my beloved hus- 
band in deep thought. He seemed to be very 
low and cheerless. I pressed him to unbo- 
som his feelings, that I might share his sor- 
rows and sympathize with him. For a long 
time he was unwilling to enter on the subject, 
and usually replied, ' nothing, love, nothing. ' 
But at last he told me that strange thoughts 
had been suggested to his mind, such as nad 
never entered it in his hours of health — 
thoughts of his extensive usefulness in the 
church of God. He said he knew them to be 
suggestions of Satan, but that they overwhelm- 
ed him with deep and bitter anguish. Pride, 
pride, hateful thing!' 

" Another idea has occurred to me with 
respect to this trial of our dear friend. He 
had insisted much upon the free and full suf- 
ficiency of the dispensation of grace to meet 
man's extremity. His darkness and distress of 
mind, as well as the support he found in his own 
principles, seemed to me a practical illustra- 
tion of the grand doctrine of the cross. It was 
for him to prove the reality of what he taught. 
In Christ every thing — out of him nothing. He 
became an example, as he had been a preach- 
er, of the righteousness of faith. God hum- 
bled his servant, magnified the riches of his 
own grace, and made him a pattern to us all, 
of the necessity and sufficiency of trust in 
Christ alone* 



LEGH RICHMOND. 187 

" But after all, there is much truth in John 
Newton's remark; ' tell me not how a man 
died, but how he lived.' The weakness of a 
dyiag hour, and the ravages of disease, may 
cloud the mind, depress the spirits, and dis- 
turb the sober exercise of the judgment. 
One thing, however, my dear friend, is evi- 
dent; it becomes us ^ to set our house in or- 
der,' before the approach of this trying hour. 
At that time we should have nothing to settle 
with God. It is not a season to begin to turn 
to Christ, when we cannot turn in our bed. 
May the thought be ever present to our re- 
collfction, ' we are only half awake. ' The 
removal oJF'our dear brother is a loud call to 
us to trim our lamps and ' wait for our Lord," 
that when he cometh and knocketh, we may 
open to him immediately. 

''Believe me, my dear friend, I am yours, 
very faithfully, though most unworthily, 

T, F.'> 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

More particular details of Mr. Richmond's dying 
hours. 

The following account is from a letter 
written by one w the daughters of Mr. Rich- 
mond. We can only allow ourselves to 



188 LIFE OF 

make extracts — but we have conscientiously 
endeavoured to omit nothing but that which 
was not materially connected with the sub- 
ject. 

''My dear Mrs. F , — You wish me to 

give you an account of the closing scene of 
my beloved parent's life. This will be at- 
tended with some difficulty; for though I was 
his friend as well as his child, and the en 
deared companion of his retired hours, — and 
though many events and conversations, full 
of deep and affecting interest, are indelibly 
engraved on my memory, yet as I did ^not 
anticipate the mournful bereavement, and 
omitted to make memoranda at the time, I 
find now that much of the detail is irrevoca- 
bly lost, and I should be afraid to write any 
thing which was not strictly and literally 
true. 

''Yet the recollection of hours spent in 
my beloved father's study, which was indeed 
a hallowed sanctuary of devotion, keeps alive 
in my mind an abiding conviction of the 
reality and happiness of experimental closet 
religion. When I feel worldly influence 
stealing on me, and consequently, religious 
duties losing their glow of interest, I have 
but to think of my departed parent and of 
past times, and my heart is again wafmed, 
a new energy in the spiritual life seems 



LEGH RICHMOND. 189 

imparted, and thus my soul does indeed 
realize that ' the memory of the just is 
blessed. ' 

*•' I cannot express tlie veneration and love 
with which he was regarded by every one 
of his children. With an understanding of 
the very first order, a mind ele^ntly refined 
and polished, and feelings of the most deli- 
cate susceptibility, he had a heart overflow- 
ing with intense affection towards each of 
them, which was shown by daily and hourly 
attentions of the most winning nature; and 
they found in him not only a counsellor and 
instructer, but a companion and bosom 
friend. They clung to him, indeed, with an 
almost idolatrous fondness. Each of my 
brothers and sisters will agree with me in the 
sentiment of dear Wilberforce (it was one of 
my brother's remarks a little before he closed 
his eyes upon his weeping parent,) 'when my 
heart feels too cold to thank God for any 
thing else, it can thank him for giving me 
such a father.' He was the spiritual as well 
as the natural father of that dear boy; and I 
trust others of his children are thus bound to 
him by a tie strong and lasting as eternity 
itself. Surely the world does not contain a 
spot of more sweet and uninterrupted do- 
mestic happiness than Turvey rectory pre- 
sented, before death entered that peace- 
ful dwelling. It was ever the first wish of 



190 LIFE OF 

my beloved father, that our home should be 
happy; and he was never so pleased as when 
we were all sitting around him. Both in our 
childhood and youth, every innocent pleasure 
was resorted to, and all his varied attain- 
ments brought into exercise to instruct and 
amuse us. He was the sun of our little sys- 
tem, and from him seemed to be derived the 
light and glow of domestic happiness. Like 
the disciple, whose loving spirit I have often 
thought my dear father's resembled, his motto 
was, ' little children, love one another;' and 
he taught this more effectually by sympathy 
than even by precept. Religion was unfold- 
ed to us in its most attractive form. We 
saw that it was a happy thing to be a chris- 
tian. He was exempt from gloom and melan- 
choly, and entered with life and cheerfulness 
into all our sports. 

'' Though my dear father was naturally 
playful and lively, his spirits were easily de- 
pressed; and they appeared to undergo a con- 
siderable change subsequent to the summer 
of 1824, the period at which Wilberforce's 
health began to decline. Wilberforce was 
most tenderly endeared to him; and there 
was a strong affinity in their characters. 

'^ In the summer of 1824, my brother rup- 
tured a blood-vessel, and began to spit blood. 
My dear father discovered great anxiety and 
alarm; though we did not, for a long time. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 191 

know how deeply he was affected. He after- 
wards told mamma, that on that morning, as 
he looked on Wilberforce, he felt a shock, 
which seemed to shatter him to the very soul, 
and from whicli he never after recovered 
He did, indeed, to use his own words, ' roll 
the troublous calamity on God,' but nature 
sunk under the stroke. 

'^ In June 1824, he took a journey to Scot- 
land, to place Wilberforce under the care of 
Dr. Stewart. I was their companion in that 
journey, which I have a mournful pleasure 
in retracing. 

" We returned home in October, with no 
material benefit to our dear invalid: and in 
January 1825, after a happy and even tri- 
umphant experience of the power of religion, 
my brother breathed his last gentle sigh in 
the arms of his afflicted father, who had been, 
in God's hands, his sole teacher, comforter, 
and supporter. I remember, on the evening 
of Wilberforce 's death, after he had yielded 
to the first burst of grief, he clasped the in- 
animate form to his heart, laid it down, dried 
his tears, and collecting us together in the 
study, he knelt down, and uttered only the 
language of praise and gratitude. 

'^ He was much comforted, at this time, 
in his parish, and in his own family. In the 
parish, there appeared a remarkable revival 
of religion, particularly among the young peo 



192 LIFE OF 

pie. It might be tinily said, ' there were 
added to the church daily ^ such as should be 
saved. ' This dear boy's death appeared to be 
the life of many souls; and, in my dear father's 
own language, ' they were the spiritual roses, 
blooming around the grave of his Willy. ' 

"At this time, his character as a parish 
priest shone forth most eminently. He was 
singularly blessed among his flock. His 
heart was always in his work; but more par- 
ticularly did he now preach the word, in sea- 
son and out of season; * reproving, rebuking, 
exhorting, with all long-suffering and doc- 
trine.' An increase of religious inquiry and 
anxiety among his people produced a corres- 

Eonding increase of visiting and teaching on 
is part, fie regularly met a party of his 
pious poor at a neighbouring cottage, on 
Tuesdays; frequently a different set on 
Thursdays; and on Sunday nights, after his 
fatiguing duties in the church, he met those 
who had been newly awakened to spiritual 
life. His heart seemed particularly interest- 
ed in this last little party, wliich he used to 
call *his spiritual nursery,'^ I have looked 
at him with astonishment, when he came to 
us on Sunday nights. Unceasingly occupied, 
from ten in the morning till ten at night, he 
met us with his usual cheerfulness, and en- 
tered into animated and interesting conver- 
gationj as if no fatigue was felt. On Sunday 



LEGH RICHMOND. 193 

evenings, after the administration of the sa- 
crament, he met the communicants. On these 
occasions, he was happy in being surrounded 
bj his spiritual children, dearly loved by 
him, and, on the whole^ he could look on 
them with approbation and confidence, as his 
'glory and joy.' He was earnest in en- 
forcing upon them consistency of character, 
and uprightness in temporal affairs: anxious 
that the enemies of true religion should have 
no cause to blaspheme from the inconsisten- 
cies of its professors, but that his people 
should adorn the doctrine of God their Sa- 
viour, and put to silence the ignorance of 
foolish men; showing, that the doctrines of 
grace are the doctrines of holiness, 

" My dear father's cough continued, and 
he became very thin; and every one remark- 
ed how ill he looked. But he appeared not 
to notice it, and we thought he did not ap- 
prehend danger: we have since found that 
we were mistaken, and that he ' always look- 
ed on the cough as a summons from above. ' 
He abated nothing of his work, and still con-^ 
tinued his visits to the poor. It was in the 
cottage of sorrow and by the bed of the dying, 
that my beloved parent's character appeared 
the brightest. He was the father as well as 
the minister of his people; and they brought 
all their diflBculties and troubles to him, and 
ever found in him a tender and judicious ad- 



194 LIFE OF 

viser. He had particular pleasure in con- 
versing with the pious poor, and said he had 
learnt some of his best lessons from them; 
that the religion of the poor, in general, was 
more spiritual and sincere than that of the 
rich; that they lived more simply the life of 
faith on the Son of God. I have seen my be- 
loved father in public, when the gaze of admi- 
ration was fixed on him, and in the private 
drawing-room I have beheld him the aelight 
and entertainment of the company, and my 
heart has exulted in him; but it was when 
smoothing the pillow of poverty and death, 
that I most loved and venerated him, and 
discovered the image of that Saviour ' who 
went about doing good.' 

*<In the month of February he went to 
Cambridge for a fortnight, to enter Henry, 
This was another subject of great anxiety to 
his mind; he dreaded the temptations of a 
college life, and expressed great solicitude 
lest his dear inexperienced boy should be 
corrupted, and his religion injured. 

*^ When he returned from Cambridge, we 
thought he looked better. He had been 
among friends he loved, and he derived great 
pleasure from his visit, and appeared more 
cheerful and lively than we had known him 
for the last two years. He entered into con^ 
versation with spirit, and even amused and 
entertained us in his engaging manaer. We 



LEGH RICHMOND. 195 

spent one week with him in this improved 
state of health and spirits; but he soon re- 
lapsed into his former thoughtful silence. The 
next week he caught a fresh cold, and his 
cough returned with greater violence: yet 
he would have preached on the following 
Sunday, if his voice had not entirely failed 
him. I do not think he imagined that he 
had seen his people for the last time, but 
that he anticipated a temporary amendment, 
suflScient to enable him to go amongst them 
again. But his ministry was closed; and he 
was to meet them no more, till they met at 
the judgment seat of Christ! 

*' To prevent increase of cold, he kept en- 
tirely to his study, and never came down 
stairs after that Sunday; yet he read and 
wrote as usual. 

'' It may seem extraordinary that he never 
spoke to us on the subject of his death; but 
those can understand it who knew the ex- 
quisite tenderness and susceptibility of liis 
feelings. His affection indeed was almost 
his affliction. He could not bear to witness 
the sorrow which would have filled our hearts 
in the certain and near prospect of separa- 
tion. He washed us, I think, to understand 
his situation and to observe in silence. 

*' There were no violent symptoms to mark 
the approach of death, but a gradual decay 
of strength. He sat with us, as usual, in his 



196 LIFE OF 

study-chair to the very last day,— almost to 
the last hour. I recollect many things which 
I did not then understand, but which now 
show me he was preparing for death: with 
surprising calmness he set his house in order. 
He made a catalogue of his principal books, 
with memoranda how they were to be dis- 
posed of; also of his minerals and philosophi- 
cal apparatus; he emptied all the cupboards 
round the room, which had not been done for 
many years; he burnt every book which he 
thought of an injurious tendency. All this 
was done for the most part in silence, it be- 
ing painful for him to speak, even in a whis- 
per. I have seen him sit for an hour together 
in the deepest abstraction of thought — ^then 
he would raise his eyes, the tears streaming 
down his pale cheeks, clasping his hands, as 
if in the fervency of importunate prayer — and 
again all was composure, and he looked peace- 
ful and happy. He seemed to be maintain- 
ing a constant communion with God. I know 
he felt deeply for his children, whom he was 
about to leave young and inexperienced — ex- 
posed to a world of sin and temptation. My 
brother and I have frequently heard him 
break forth in prayer for us when we had 
scarcely closed his door. The sounds were 
faint and broken, but we understood their 
import; and the unutterable tenderness of 
his manner towards us is even now too aifect 



LEGH RICHMOND. 19T 

ing to dwell upon. He would sometimes 
open his arms for me to come to him, and 
laying his head upon my shoulder, would fall 
again into deep thought- His parish also 
was always upon his mind. He was con- 
tinually inquiring about the people, and send- 
ing me with messages to them; and he listen- 
ed with much interest to the report I made 
of them. 

'*One of his converts, a young girl of nine- 
teen, was at this time on the bed of death, and 
my dear father regretted much he could not 
visit her; but he was very anxious to comfort 
and instruct her through me. She survived 
him tw^o months, and died in the same peace, 

Eerhaps with more triumph. She said, just 
efore her death, ' she longed yet more for 
heaven, because her dear minister was there 
to welcome her. ' I know that he was full of 
anxiety for a suitable successor, and the idea 
of his flock being dispersed, hung heavy upon 
his spirits. One morning, when I was sitting 
near him, he burst into tears, and said, ' OhT 
my parish! my poor parish. I feel as if 
I had done nothing for it, as if it had been 
so much neglected. I have not done half 
that I ought ' It was more than I could bear 
to hear him speak in this way; for I had seen 
him in weariness, and painfulness, and 
watchingS) spending and being spent, if by 
any means he might win souls to Christ. I 
r2 



198 LIFE OF 

suggested to him his labours, and the singular 
usefulness of his ministry, especially within 
the last two years: he would still reply, * no 
thanks to me, no thanks to me. I see it so 
different now, as if I had done just nothing. 
I see nothing but neglect, and duties left un- 
done. ' I could not help reflecting on the dif- 
ferent aspect things must have when eternity 
is opening upon us. 

-'Of the last sermons I read to him, one 
was entitled, 'Hope amidst Billows,' the 
other, 'The Believer a Hero.' This last I 
read twice to him; and he expressed much 
delight in listening to it. It seemed to suit 
the state of his mind, and corresponded with 
his own sentiments. At one part of the sermon 
he stopped me, that he might meditate on 
what he heard, and then he said, ' read it 
again.' It seemed to cheer his mind. When 
I had finished it, ' this' said lie, ' exactly ex- 
presses what I would say to you; that is just 
my sentiment;' and he told me to turn down 
the leaf, that he might show it to mamma. I 
have copied the passage; it appears to me 
very beautiful, and is greatly endeared to me, 
as having comforted my dear father a few 
days only before his death. 

" 'The fear of God is not a perplexing 
doubting, and distrust of his love: on the 
contrary, it is a fixed resting and trust in his 
love. Many who have some truth of grace 



LEGH RICHMOND. 199 

are, through weakness, filled with disquieting 
fears; but, possibly, though they perceive it 
not, it may be in some a point of wilfulness, 
a little latent undiscerned affectation of 
scrupling and doubting, placing much of re- 
ligion in it. True, where the soul is really 
solicitous about its interest in God, that argues 
some grace; but being vexingly anxious about 
it, argues that grace is weak and low. A 
spark there is even discovered by that smoke, 
but the great smoke still continuing and 
nothing seen but it, argues there is little fire, 
little faith, little love; and then as it is un- 
pleasant to thyself, so it is to God, as smoke 
to the eyes. What if one should be always 
questioning with a friend, whether he loved 
him or not, and upon every little occasion 
were ready to think he doth not, how would 
they disrelish their society together, though 
truly loving each other. The far more ex- 
cellent way, and more pleasing both to our- 
selves and to God, were to resolve on humble 
trust, reverence, and confidence, being most 
afraid to oftend, delighting to w^alk in his 
ways, loving him and his will in all; and then 
resting persuaded of his love, though he chas- 
tise us, and even though we offend him, and 
see our offences in our chastisements, yet he 
is good; plenteous in redemption, ready to 
forgive; therefore let Israel hope and trust. 
Let my soul roll itself on him, and adventure 



200 UFE OF 

there all its weight. He bears great matters, 
upholding the frame of heaven and earth, and 
is not troubled nor burdened with it. ' 

^* Three days after, he asked me to read 
one of Newton's letters, from the volume en- 
titled 'The Aged Pilgrim's Triumph.' He 
listened to me with interest, but did not 
speak, except to thank me. 

'* When his meals were brought to him, he 
used to clasp his wasted hands, and ask a 
blessing. ' I thank thee, heavenly Father, for 
these undeserved mercies to such an unwor- 
thy sinner.' There may be nothing more 
in the words than any other Christian would 
utter; but the humility and reverence of his 
manner deeply affected us. 

"He had a great dislike to keep his bed; 
and I cannot but acknowledge th*e goodness 
of God, that it was not necessary. He rose 
every day, to the last, and sat as usual in his 
study: only getting up a little later, and 
going to bed earlier, as his strength gradually 
tailed him. The last fortnight he was very 
silent, and appeared constantly in prayer and 
meditation^ — waiting his dismissal, and the 
end of his earthly pilgrimage. At this time, 
nothing seemed to disturb him; and he ap- 
peared to realize the full import of that bless- 
ed promise, * Thou wilt keep him in perfect 
peace, whose mind is stayed on thee. ' I have 
often thought he exemplified the faitli his 



LEGH RICHMOND. 201 

favourite Leighton commends — ^ Let thy soul 
roll itself on God, and adventure there all its 
weight.' It was indeed an unspeakable de- 
light to us to observe the unruffled calm of his 
soul; and it confirmed our minds in the truth 
and value of the doctrines he had taught for 
thirty years. ' We had seen our beloved fa- 
ther prostrate in soul before God, under a 
consciousness of indwelling sin; we had heard 
him bemoaning himself, after a long life of 
usefulness, as an unprofitable servant, re- 
nouncing again and again all hope of salvation 
by his ov^Ti goodness, and fleeing to Jesus as 
his only refuge. To use his words to C. 

H , 'It is only coming to Christ as a little 

child, and as for the first time, that I can get 
peace.' Yet, though for a time perplexed, he 
was not forsaken. We saw him comforted 
of God, and proving what he had often said 
to me — ' Christ has firm hold of you, however 
feeble your grasp of him;' and now we saw 
him strong in faith, and in the last hour of 
dissolving nature, rejoice in the sure and cer- 
tain hope of the glory of God. He did indeed 
find, to use the dying words of my beloved 
brother, ' the rest that Christ gives is sweet. ' 
He was silent, but it was a most expressive 
silence, and revealed emotions of joy and 
praise not to be described. Many touching 
circumstances occurred, which showed both 
the man and the Christian; but they axe of 



202 LIFE OF 

too delicate a nature to be communicated be- 
yond the circle of his own family. 

'' Two days before his death j he received 
a letter, mentioning the conversion of two 
persons (one of whom was a clergyman,) by 
the perusal of his tract, *The Dairyman's 
Daughter. ' When the letter was given him, 
he seemed too feeble to open it himself, and 
desired Henry to read it to him. The con- 
tents deeply interested him. He raised him- 
self in his chair, lifted up his hand, and then 
let it fall down again, while l\e repeatedly 
shook his head. His manner spoke the 
greatest humility, as if he would say — ' How 
unworthy of such honour!' For a few mo- 
ments it seemed to adniinister a cordial to 
his fainting spirit, and led our minds, in re- 
ference to our dear father, to contemplate the 
fulfilment of that promise, *They that turn 
many to righteousness, shall shine as the stars 
for ever^nd ever.' 

''On Tuesday, the 8th of May, he rose later 
than usual: I think it was twelve before he 
got into the study; and he was so weak, that 
he had great* difficulty in walking there from 
his bed-room. His breath was short, and he 
looked very pale, but he said he felt no pain. 
He sat on his readmg-chair, with his head 
resting on a pillow: his countenance and 
manner was calm and peaceful. In the after- 
noon he could scarcely support himself; and 



LEGH RICHMOND. 203 

I kneeled on a chair behind him, and he laid 
his head on my shoulder. Once he seemed 
to be fainting, but he soon revived; and, 
looking calmly at me, he said, ' Better now, 
love. ' 

'' Mamma could no longer stay in the room, 
and I was left alone with him till five. He 
still said nothing, except to assure me he felt 
no pain. To the very last, it appeared to be 
his great desire to spare our feelings. We 
now persuaded him to go to bed, but w^e little 
thought death was so near. He could not 
walk, and we were going to ring for a ser- 
vant, to assist him; but he said, 'I should 
like Henry to carry me. ' He was wasted to 
a skeleton: Henry took him up with great 
ease, and we all followed. I shall never for- 
get this most affecting moment: it was a mo- 
ment of anguish to me, more than the last 
scene. He seemed to know that he was leav- 
ing the study, never to return to it: his look 
told me that he knew it. This was his fa- 
vorite room, where for more than twenty 
years he had constantly carried on his pur- 
suits. There he had written his books — 
studied his sermons — instructed his children 
— conversed with his flock, and offered daily 
sacrifice of praise and prayer. I watched 
him, as Henry carried him out: his counte- 
nance preserved the same look of fixed com- 
posure. He raised his head, and gave one 



204 LIFE OF 

searching look round the room, on his books — 
his table — ^liis chair — his wife — his children 5 
— and the door closed on him for ever! He 
gave the same look round the gallery, through 
vrhich we passed, as if he was bidding fare- 
well to every thing. There was a peculiar 
expression in his countenance, which I cannot 
describe; it seemed to say, ' Behold, I die, 
but God will be with you!' Henry seated 
him in a chair; and he sat to be undressed, 
like a little dependant child, in deep silence, 
but without the ruffling of a feature. 

" About nine, he seemed rather wander- 
ing; and made an eifort to speak, but we 
could not make out his meaning; only we 
perceived he was thinking of his church, for 
we heard him say several times, ' It will be 
all confusion!' Mamma then asked him 
what would be confusion. 'The church! 
There will be such confusion in my church!' 

" About ten o'clock, he signified to mam- 
ma, in the gentlest whisper, that he wished 
to be left alone — ^to send us all away, and 
draw the curtains round him. 

''About half past ten, Mrs. G., the kind 
and faithful nurse of Willy, tapped at my 
door. I was reading the Bible, and had just 
reached that verse, ' That ye be not slothful, 
but followers of them who through faith 
and patience inherit the promises.' I have 
thought the coincidence remarkable, at least 



LEGH RICHMOND. 205 

I trust it will ever give a quickening influence 
to that passage, when I read it. She told me 
to come and Took at my father. She said, she 
could hardly tell whether there was any 
change or not. I hurried to him. He raised 
his eyes to heaven, and then closed them. I 
put my cheek upon his 5 and I believe at that 
instant I felt, for I could not hear, his dying 
sigh. I thought he was sleeping, and con- 
tinued looking at him, till Hannah said, 
* Your dear papa is in heaven. ' I did not 
think him dead; and I rubbed his still warm 
hands, and kissed his pale cheek, and entreat- 
ed him to speak one word to me: but I soon 
found it was the silence of death. All turned 
to poor mamma, who was insensible; and I 
was thus left alone with my dear father, 
kneeling beside him, with his hand in mine. 
The same holy calm sat on his countenance, 
and seemed to say — ' Thanks be to Gk)d5 who 
has given me the victory!' 



CHAPTER XXVIIL 

Funeral ofMr.Richinond^and concluding observations, 

'^ Mr. Richmond was buried in the church 
of Turvey, and in the same vault which con- 
tained the remains of his beloved Wilber- 



206 LIFE OF 

force, and of two infant sons. The affecting 
circumstances of the funeral are thus de- 
scribed by a friend, who was a spectator of 
the mournful scene: — 

' I was hastening to witness the sad obse- 
quies of this excellent man; the bell tolled 
heavily, and seemed to smite on my ear with 
more than ordinary solemnity. Sorrow was 
depicted on every countenance, and the 
mourners crossed my path at every step. 
Even the aged and the sick, who had long 
heard from his lips the glad tidings of salva- 
tion, crept out of their cottages, resting on 
their crutches, or leaning on the arm of 
friendship, to gaze on the mournful cavalcade, 
and weep over their melancholy bereavement. 

' Every eye exhibited the struggle of feel- 
ing, and spoke more for the memory of the 
deceased than volumes written in his praise. 
Multitudes from the neighbouring villages 
were attracted to the spot, and came to pay 
their tribute of affection to the memory of 
one with whose name they had long associated 
feelings of respect and esteem. The mem- 
bers of the men's club, established by Mr. 
Richmond at Turvey, had assembled with 
their long wands, clothed in mourning, and 
formed a double line from the rectory to the 
church porch. Through this avenue the body 
was borne, without interruption from the 



LEGH RICHMOND. 207 

crowds of spectators. It was carried by six 
bearers, and the pall was held by the same 
number of clergymen from the neighbour- 
hood, whose countenances, marked with pro- 
found sorrow, seemed to say, ' Alas! my bro- 
ther!' There followed as mourners, the fa- 
mily — ^the more respectable of the parishion- 
ers — ^the communicants — ^the friendly socie- 
ties of young and old — the Sunday and day 
schools — and a long train of the poor, with 
many strangers who were present on the oc- 
casion. The men's club joined the proces- 
sion as it passed along; and the whole pre- 
sented to my eye the most affecting picture 
of deep and sincere sorrow I ever witnessed. 
^ The service was read, at the request of 
the family, by Mr. Grimshawe, who deliver- 
ed an address at the conclusion of the fune- 
ral, in compliance vnth the wishes of the pa- 
rishioners, and in accordance with the custom 
of the deceased rector.' 

" The following Sunday, a sermon was 
preached at Turvey church, on the occasion, 
by the Rev. T. Fry, rector of Emberton, to 
an overflowing congregation. So great was 
the number of persons that attended, that 
many went away, unable to procure admit- 
tance. Not only was every space in the 
church and chancels occupied, but the mar- 
ble monuments were covered with people, 



SOS LIFE OF 

and even the large beams which supported thh 
roof. Mr. Richmond, some years before his 
decease, had selected a passage of Scripture; 
and Mr. Fry, in compliance with the wishes 
of his friend, took his text from Romans vii. 
24, 25. ' O wretched man that I am ! who 
shall deliver me from the body of this death.^ 
I thank God, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord.'"* 

Thus passed to his great re\yard, this emi- 
nently useful servant of the Lord Jesus 
Christ. He was, in the fullest sense, the 
*' righteous man" of the Scriptures — right- 
eous, as standing complete in the righteous- 
ness of Christ, whom he had made his ''all, 
and in all;" and righteous, as having had 
imparted to his character, the holiness of the 
gospel—that new creation in Christ Jesus, 
which enabled him in all things " to adorn 
the doctrine" of his Master. And as his 
earthly career terminated, the saying of the 
prophet was accomplished: "the righteous 
enters into peace." — Glorious assurance for 
all believers! In the language of the eloquent 
De Courcy — "Enters^ through the infinite 
merits of the blood of the atonement; — en- 
ters^ like the weary traveller arriving jojrful, 
though fatigued, at his journey's end; — enters^ 
like an exile, returning from a long captivity, 

* Grimshawe. 



LEGH RICHMOND. 209 

to his native home; — enters^ triumphant as a 
victor, after a severe campaign; — enters^ like 
some richly laden vessel, with all her sails 
crowded to the wind. Thus the righteous 
enters; while every golden harp is new strung 
to shout him welcome to the celestial city. 

''What a glorious exchange! — of sickness 
and pain, for everlasting rest and peace; — of 
a ruinous tabernacle, for ' a house not made 
with hands, eternal in the heavens;' — of a 
howling wilderness, for the heavenly Canaan, 
— ^the palace of angels, — the city of God; — 
of tlie groanings of corruption and sin, for the 
songs of the redeemed; — of the cross, for the 
crown; — of the earth, with all its distrac- 
tions, vanities, vicissitudes, and woes, for the 
beatitude of heaven, and the rapturous enjoy- 
ment of the vision of God. — 

' Happy day ! that breaks our chain, 

That manumits — that calls from exile home ! 
That leads to Nature's great metropolis ! 
And re-admits us, thro' the guardian hand 
Of elder brothers, to our Father's home.'" 

One or two remarks, and we leave this me- 
moir to the blessing of God. 

''The result to which the minister of 
Christ must naturally be led, by the review of 
a life so signally useful, is that of humbling 
comparison between his owm labours, and 
those which he here sees performed in the 
s 2 



•^ 



210 LIFE OF 

service of his Lord and Master. It is to be 
remembered, however, that the career of a 
man like Legh Richmond, while it calls for 
admiring wonder at what he achieved, and for 
a lowly estimate of self, does not, by any fair 
and natural inference, conduce to despair of 
doing as much in the service of Him, to 
whom the life of a herald of truth is conse- 
crated. All, it is true, have not the talents 
of this extraordinary person, which were con- 
fessedly of a very elevated order. All can- 
not write in his sweet and melodious lan- 
guage; all cannot deliver their message from 
the pulpit of the sanctuary, in his flow^ing 
and felicitous strains of extemporaneous elo- 
quence; but every ambassador of God can, 
lite him, preach Christ alone as the present 
refuge, and everlasting stay of the sinner — 
every one has it in his power to resemble 
him, in active obedience to the injunction, 
'occupy till I come'^ — all can, as he did, 
nail to the cross of Christ the perishing at- 
tractions of this vain world, and live in view 
of judgment and eternity. In this light, 
then, let all those who minister at our altars, 
look at him whose course has been thus briefly 
depicted. Lat them contemplate his life and 
character, not that they may afterwards sit 
down and wish that they had been blessed 
with his peculiar capabilities; but that they 



LEGH RICHMOND. 211 

may go more resolutely forward to the right 
employment of whatever powers and oppor- 
tunities God has respectively given them."* 

To christian parents^ the example of Mr. 
Richmond as exhibited in this memoir, may 
be delightfully recommended — such tender- 
ness — such fidelity — such love for the souls 
of his children — may every christian parent 
recognize the truth, that in his child, he is 
rearing an immortal being for heaven, or for 
hell — and acting on this conviction, may their 
children be brought up, as were those of Mr. 
Richmond, in the ''nurture and admonition 
of the Lord." 

On the mind of every reader, young or old, 
may the whole of this little book serve to 
impress the importance of a vital union with 
the Lord Jesus Christ by faith; — a hearty 
submission to his laws and righteousness; 
and a disposition of unreserved devotedness. 
Then, when the ransomed of the Lord shall 
all appear in the general assembly and church 
of the first-born — may we join with the sainted 
Richmond, and all who have gone before him 
in the faith, in the song, which gives eternal 
glory to Him, who having redeemed us by his 
blood, made us kings and priests unto God. 

* " Adelphos.'* 

THE END. 



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